GLOSSARY OF EYE TERMINOLOGY
www.eyeglossary.net
This site is an extensive glossary of terms used by eye doctors, including medical terms for eye-related diseases, signs and symptoms, treatments, and tests.
Organizations
AMERICAN MACULAR DEGENERATION FOUNDATION (AMDF)
PO Box 515
Northampton, MA 01061-0515
(413) 268-7660
amdf@macular.org
www.macular.org
The AMDF is dedicated to the prevention and cure of macular degeneration, and offers help to people who already have the disease. The Care & Services directory (www.macular.org/eyecare.html) includes links to support groups, state agencies specializing in blindness and low vision, and help in finding professional eye care. The AMDF also publishes a quarterly newsletter, In the Spotlight, that describes the latest research and offers guidelines on how to use it in your everyday life. In the Spotlight is printed in large type and can be ordered at www.macular.org/spotlite.html.
LIVING WITH DIABETES: EYE COMPLICATIONS
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/eye-complications
The section of the ADA’s Web site dedicated to eye complications describes risk factors and symptoms of the most common diabetes-related eye problems, along with eye care and prevention tips. Users have the option of reading the text or hearing it read aloud by clicking a link near the top of the page.
GLAUCOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
251 Post Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94108-5017
(415) 986-3162
www.glaucoma.org
The Web site for this organization, dedicated to finding a cure for and raising awareness of glaucoma, includes a page on diabetes and eyesight (www.glaucoma.org/learn/diabetes_and_yo.php). The Living with Glaucoma section of the site offers interviews with people who have glaucoma, tips on how to make eye care part of your daily routine, and a question and answer section, as well as a list of financial assistance resources. The Treatment section covers both traditional and alternative methods of treating glaucoma. The site also includes sections for breaking news and the latest research on the disease. The organization publishes a free e-mail newsletter, Gleams, three times a year. The site includes a series of viewing options for people with low vision, including customizable type size, contrast, and page format.
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION (AOA)
1505 Prince Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314-2874
(800) 365-2219
www.aoa.org
The AOA offers basic eye care information, as well as a page specifically for people with diabetes (www.aoa.org/diabetic-retinopathy.xml) that describes the symptoms and effects of retinopathy. The organization also offers a program called VISION USA (www.aoa.org/x5607.xml), which provides financial assistance for basic eye care to people who don’t have health insurance and don’t qualify for government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Applications are accepted online or by calling (800) 766-4466. You can also download an electronic PDF file of the application (www.aoa.org/documents/APPLICATION-FOR-VISION-USA-SERVICES-2010.pdf) or request paper copies from visionusa@aoa.org. The AOA’s Web site can also be viewed in Spanish.
