The Foundation Receives Major Grants: Major Initiatives Begin
The 2003 ASRS Annual Meeting---
Another Success for the American Retina Foundation
Lori Clawges
Director of Communications
American Retina Foundation
The 2003 American Society of Retina Specialist meeting in New York City was another big success this year for the American Retina Foundation. The meeting provided the perfect opportunity to announce the American Retina Foundation's AMD Awareness Campaign that is in its initial stages. Foundation Chairman, Dr. Roy Levit made a presentation to ASRS members, which included a brief explanation about the purpose of the Campaign and why the ASRS members are such a critical factor to its success. The Foundation also had an exhibit booth at the meeting, where visitors had the opportunity to view the education and resource CD-ROM as well as other materials included in the AMD Awareness Educational Kit. The kits will be distributed to ASRS members in January 2004. Visitors also had a chance to view the Foundation's interactive patient education presentation about AMD, which is now available for your patients at www.savingvision.org.
Auction
The Foundation also had the opportunity to raise $9,285.00 from the annual Silent Auction held during the ASRS meeting. The Foundation would like to thank all donors for their generous contributions to the auction, including Dr. Kirk Packo, who contributed his creative movie posters, such as "Fiddler on the Macula" and "Retina Spray". Members will still have another chance to bid on several items from the Silent Auction soon-items that were not bid on during the Annual Meeting will be available on E -Bay for purchase at the end of September. Please visit the website www.vitreoretinal.org to purchase items on E-Bay.
Macular Surgery
Individuals who are considering donating to the American Retina Foundation will now have added incentive to do so, thanks to Dr. Jerald A. Bovino. Donors who contribute $100 or more to the Foundation will now receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Bovino's 184-page hardbound book, Macular Surgery. The Foundation would like to thank Dr. Bovino for his generosity and willingness to support the Foundation and its efforts.