VISTA, Calif. And CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—The Macula Vision Research Foundation(MVRF) and Optelec have formed a unique partnership of industry and philanthropy to benefit more than 11 million people in the U.S. with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or other retinal related diseases. The goal is to continue to increase awareness of AMD and other diseases of the retina and provide information to individuals and their families about the latest research, prevention, treatment, as well as low vision technology and adaptive aids for macular degeneration, according to an announcement from the two organizations.

The collaboration between MVRF and Optelec, a manufacturer of assistive technology and adaptive aids for the visually impaired, is centered around MVRF’s SupportSight program, the national education and outreach arm of the Foundation which includes three components: free educational seminars in cities across the country, the SupportSightNews, MVRF’s newsletter with a circulation of more than 30,000 and community-based, peer led macular degeneration local support groups.

Through the partnership, MVRF will expand the program to include occupational therapists, home health care service providers and other professionals who serve the low vision, rehab or senior services communities. Optelec is an exclusive assistive technology industry sponsor to the program.

MVRF and Optelec will be launching the partnership at MVRF’s upcoming SupportSight seminar in Phoenix, Ariz.on Feb. 25, 2014. For more information about the free seminar, visit .mvrf.org and optelec.com.

“We are thrilled to be working with a renowned international leader in the assistive technology industry,” said Dawn Prall George, executive director of MVRF. “We make it a priority to help improve the quality of life for those who are visually impaired. It is important for us to stay connected to the millions of people for whom we work to find cure.”

“The SupportSight program gives attendees real knowledge of the prevention and continuum of care to see beyond their diagnosis, and Optelec is wonderfully pleased to be a part of it,” said Stephan Terwolbeck, president of Optelec U.S. “This partnership allows us to connect directly to our customers, communities and organizations to discuss the local support and types of low vision solutions.”

MVRF and Optelec join the fight against AMD along with Prevent Blindness and other industry supporters.