Lighthouse International Introduces a New, Customizable, Low-Vision Simulator That Shows How the World Looks to People Who Are Visually Impaired

NEW YORK, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lighthouse International, the non-profit leader in vision healthcare, research, education and advocacy, launches a new website that features the first customizable, low-vision simulator that shows how a person with an eye disease sees the world.  Visitors can choose a video from YouTube and select a filter that simulates retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Link to VISION SIMULATOR    

According to Eleanor Faye, MD, Medical Director, Lighthouse International, "We are offering this low vision experience to help inform, educate and sensitize the public. While no simulation can accurately reflect what a person with an eye disease actually sees, this simulator suggests some of the visual problems that a person with these eye conditions experiences every day."

Mark G. Ackermann, President and CEO of Lighthouse International continues, "The new website reflects our leadership in low vision and helps visitors from New York to New Delhi who are seeking reliable information on eye diseases, vision rehabilitation services and preventing blindness. An estimated 314 million people are visually impaired worldwide and 61 million Americans are at-high risk of serious vision loss."

Other highlights of the new website include:

A New Interactive Lifestyles Feature Called "Let's Go!"

The start of a searchable database of museums, theaters, and sporting venues offering options for people with a visual impairment, such as touch-tours, audio descriptions and reserved seating.  Visitors are asked to add venues and ideas to expand the offerings.  Link to LET'S GO! LIFESTYLE & LEISURE LISTINGS

Proven Accessibility Standards

Carefully tested, the website is designed to maximize accessibility for people who are visually impaired. Link to ABOUT THIS WEBSITE  

Help Near You

A special feature that enables visitors to find an optometrist, ophthalmologist and vision rehabilitation service by city or zip code throughout the United States. Link to FIND HELP IN YOUR AREA

Up-To-Date Medical Information On Eye Diseases

Information on the symptoms, causes and treatments for 19 eye diseases -- from macular degeneration to cataracts, dry eye and amblyopia. Link to VISION DISORDERS

Up-To-Date Prevention Information On Vision Loss

Tips on preventing computer eye strain and other vision health suggestions for web users and the general public.  Link to PREVENTION

Spanish Language

Information on key Lighthouse services such as "How to Get Low Vision Services" and "Professional Education" is translated into Spanish.  Link to SPANISH LANGUAGE SECTION

Integration of Social Media

Visitors are encouraged to connect, share, and exchange ideas and experiences about vision loss through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and discussion forums.

About Lighthouse International

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.      

CONTACT: Leslie Gottlieb, +1-212-821-9760, [email protected]

SOURCE Lighthouse International