NEWS / EVENTS

Transforming Lives, One Individual at a Time.

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Braille โ€“ the tactile language

Braille โ€“ the tactile language

Yesterday we celebrated World Braille Day. Most people know Braille as the "language for blind people," but what is it really?ย ๐Ÿ‘€ Braille is actually not a language but rather a code by which all languages may be written and read โ€“ in a nutshell, it's a tactile reading...

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Scratched your eye… Now what?

Scratched your eye… Now what?

Eye facts!ย ๐Ÿ‘€ Eye injuries are very common at the start of the new year, as people are changing their routines. A corneal abrasion (scratched cornea or scratched eye) is one of the most common eye injuries. Did you know a corneal scratch can heal in only 48 hours,...

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Should you do a virtual eye exam?

On the topic of eye exams... should you do an at-home vision test via smartphone, rather than seeing your ophthalmologist? On one hand, it's more cost effective.. on the other hand, is it comprehensive enough? Follow the link below for all the pro's and cons....

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Happy, healthy new year

Happy, healthy new year

As the new year approaches, health and wellness are shifting back into focus. Getting a comprehensive eye exam should be on everyone's agenda, to ensure your vision is well cared for and to detect any diseases that could lead to vision loss or blindness. Eye exams are...

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Happy Holidays!

  On behalf of everyone at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, we wish you Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Joyous Kwanzaa! May your holidays be peaceful and filled with laughter and joy. Image description: The words "HAPPY Holidays" are written in black ink...

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Avoid the eye doctor this holiday season

Avoid the eye doctor this holiday season

โ€œI want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!โ€ โ€œNo, you'll shoot your eye out.โ€ Although this line from "A Christmas Story" is funny in the movie, it's nothing to laugh about in the real world, as the risk of eye injuries...

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DIY holiday gift idea!

DIY holiday gift idea!

DYI gift idea!ย ๐ŸŽ Mallory Carr, a teacher for people with vision loss in California, came up with this crafty do-it-yourself idea for a Braille memory game. How to: Use cardboard, thick paper, cork board or otherwise sturdy material as your game board. Create pairs of...

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Fun and games for the holidays

๐ŸŽย Holiday gift idea!ย ๐ŸŽ It's entertaining, it's fun, it's a great pastime. It's a... video game? Lost and Houndย is a video game specifically designed to be accessible for people with vision loss. It looks like a regular game, but it can be completed successfully with...

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Keeping your eyes glamorously safe this holiday season

Holiday parties coming up? If that means sparkly eyeshadow, faux lashes and lots of glitter, remember to take extra caution when applying makeup or other cosmetics around the eyes. A couple helpful tips: โ€ข Only use cosmetics that are designed for use around the eyes....

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Christmas tree safety

Christmas tree safety

๐ŸŽ„ย Who would think the eye-catcher and focal point of the season, the Christmas tree, could be the very thing to cause you injury?ย ๐ŸŽ„ Christmas tree related eye injuries are very common! Here are some helpful tips: โ€ข Wear eye-protective wear when cutting your tree. โ€ข...

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Holiday Courtesy Tips

Holiday Courtesy Tips

'Tis the season of holiday get-togethers. How to include people who are blind or have low vision, and help them feel comfortable at these events? โ€ข Always introduce yourself by stating your name when you meet. Encourage other people to do the same. Avoid asking the...

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Weekend inspiration!

Losing your sight should not mean losing your favorite hobbies! Read this inspiring story of a hockey player who continues to enjoy the sport, despite losing his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa....

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Tech Tuesday discusses IrisVision glasses

Combining virtual reality and a smartphone, IrisVision has come up with glasses that help people overcome many low vision conditions including some of the more common ones like Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Stargardt Disease, and Retinitis...

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Program highlight – Music Appreciation

Program highlight – Music Appreciation

Program Highlight! Music Appreciation is part of our Health and Wellness Program. In this course, students experience all genres of music and learn to interact with different instruments. Learning to identify sounds and specific instruments will lead to better...

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Arthritis and your eyes

Did you know arthritis can affect your eyes? Arthritis damages the connective tissue covering the ends of joint bones. This connective tissue is made mostly of a substance called collagen. Collagen is also the primary substance of the eyeโ€™s sclera and cornea. The...

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Program Highlight — African Drumming

Program Highlight — African Drumming

African Drumming Class is offered as part of our Health and Wellness Program. In this class, students learn proper methods of striking the Djembe and Aishiko drums, and the differences between the sounds. The class fosters an environment of healing and relaxation, and...

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Monday Mindfulness โ€“ how to stay safe in the snow

Monday Mindfulness โ€“ how to stay safe in the snow

โ„๏ธย Snow storms can be dangerous and disruptive. Here are some things to keep in mind about how snow affects people who are blind or have low vision.ย โ„๏ธ Snow muffles the sounds of things, which can make orientation difficult to persons who are blind or have significant...

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Can psychological stress cause vision loss?

Continuous stress and elevated cortisol levels have been shown to negatively impact the eye and brain due to autonomic nervous system imbalance and vascular deregulation. (Click article link for detailed information) Glaucoma, for example, is an eye condition damaging...

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The connection between diet and vision loss

It's no secret that poor diet is bad for your health. Did you know it can also lead to vision loss? This helpful article explains the link. Make sure to eat lots of leafy greens, citrus fruits, orange fruits and vegetables, beans and cold-water fish for a well-rounded...

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Program Spotlight โ€“ Healthy Options

Program Spotlight โ€“ Healthy Options

In our Healthy Options class, students learn how to peel, chop, dice, and puree their way to preparing creative snacks, easy meals and health-conscious desserts by using whole, natural foods & learning about the health benefits they provide. When vision loss...

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