[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LOW VISION INFORMATION CENTER FOR 20 YEARS OF 
                             PUBLIC SERVICE

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 
20th anniversary of the Low Vision Information Center, LVIC, located in 
Bethesda, Maryland. This unique center provides critical help to 
visually impaired individuals and their families.
  Low vision is the third leading cause of disability in the United 
States whose causes, among others, include macular degeneration and 
glaucoma. Low vision is a life altering condition which prevents 
millions of Americans from performing ostensibly elementary tasks such 
as reading, walking without aid, dialing the telephone, and even 
recognizing the faces of family and friends. Unlike other vision 
complications, low vision cannot be corrected with glasses and 
contacts, nor are there medical or surgical solutions available. There 
are, however, research and rehabilitation centers which address low 
vision, including Maryland's own Johns Hopkins Lions Vision Research 
and Rehabilitation Center at the Wilmer Eye Institute, which research 
the condition and help formulate ways in which the challenges posed by 
low vision can be reduced.
  The LVIC provides a related but unique service. Established 20 years 
ago, LVIC is dedicated to helping individuals with low vision cope with 
daily tasks in a home-like setting with the most up-to-date technology, 
LVIC has served more than 40,000 clients and their families during its 
20-year history. Currently, LVIC staff and volunteers see up to 150 
clients a month in their downtown Bethesda office. LVIC helps people 
with everything from successfully pouring a cup of coffee, to writing 
personal checks, to learning how to use a talking watch. Additionally, 
LVIC often shows vision professionals what it is like to suffer from 
low vision by providing them with goggles that simulate various eye 
afflictions. Staff and volunteers also visit senior centers and nursing 
homes to educate this populace about low vision.
  Mr. President, it has always been my firm belief that public service 
is one of the most honorable callings, one that demands the very best, 
most dedicated efforts of those fortunate enough to serve their fellow 
citizens. LVIC provides a critical public service to countless 
individuals in our society, both by directly helping those who suffer 
from low vision, and by educating professionals and lay people alike on 
the causes, symptoms and technology available relating to low vision. I 
am pleased to join with all of LVIC's clients and their families, staff 
and volunteers in celebrating 20 years of public service that has 
significantly improved the quality of life for low vision individuals 
in our society.




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