New Book Offers Fresh Insight on Depression Treatment with AMD Diagnosis

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind, a new text on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from AFB Press, author Lindy Bergman recounts her journey with macular degeneration, and offers suggestions on how to remain positive and get the most out of life. The book also contains highly informative chapters on the nature and treatment of AMD authored by world-renowned experts from The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind examines the impact of untreated depression and other emotional and psychological reactions among older adults with vision loss, a topic often overlooked or ignored during the rehabilitation process. The book came to fruition as the result of a partnership between The Chicago Lighthouse and AFB Press, the publishing arm of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

"This book fills an information gap on depression and helps patients understand that they are not alone, while giving professionals the tools they need to care for their patients' vision loss and emotional well-being," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB president and CEO. 

With one in three persons over age 75 affected by AMD, and as the 79 million baby boomers near retirement age, Ms. Bergman's personal perspectives combined with the medical and other insights from professionals makes Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind a must-read for both newly diagnosed patients and their families, as well as the professionals who serve them.

In Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind, readers will find:

• The latest information about the causes and treatment of AMD
• Concise and informative overviews of the effects of aging on vision, the emotional and psychological components of vision loss, and essential components of low vision services
• An emphasis on the integration of the individual's psychological recovery into low vision service delivery
• A cutting-edge model of rehabilitation that meets the challenges of service provision today

"We want people facing a progressive retinal degenerative disease to receive the best care possible, and we believe the information and practice methods in this book will play a major role in quality care," said Janet P. Szlyk, Ph.D., President and Executive Director of The Chicago Lighthouse.

The text, edited by Jennifer E. Miller, Esq., contains a foreword by Jonathan Safran Foer, award-winning author of Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and a prologue by Janet P. Szlyk.

Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind is published by AFB Press, in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. To order a copy, visit: www.afb.org/store

About AFB

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.

About The Chicago Lighthouse

The Chicago Lighthouse, whose credo is "Because there is still hope," was founded in 1906, and is one of the nation's most comprehensive social service agencies.  Housed under its roof are the oldest and most prominent vision care and rehabilitation program in the U.S.; a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities; a world class employment services program; one of the few remaining clock manufacturing facilities in America; a VA program serving veterans in all 50 states; and a radio station.

Contact:

Anne Durham
Sales & Marketing Manager, AFB Press and Web Programs
American Foundation for the Blind
Phone: 304.710.3026
[email protected]

Dominic Calabrese
Director, Public Relations
The Chicago Lighthouse
Phone: 312.997.3662 ext. 3662
[email protected]

SOURCE American Foundation for the Blind