Volunteers’ Voice                     May 2008

      INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:

  Reminder

  Volunteers’ Voice is Now Available on the GSI Website

  Article – Education, Eye Exams Provided for Macular Degeneration

  GSI 2007 Facts

April’s Monthly Activity Reports

are Due May 4, 2008!

Submit Your Reports as Soon as Possible!

Education, Eye Exams Provided for Macular Degeneration

From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

What is AMD?

AMD, also known as macular (MAK-yoo-lar) degeneration, means the central area of the retina known as the macula is losing function.  The retina is made up of layers of nerve cells that sense light and allow you to see. 

Someone with macular degeneration might be able to see a clock, but not read the numbers, or when talking to you, not recognize your features.  However, AMD usually does not damage the side vision, which is what one uses to get around without bumping into furniture or other objects.

What causes AMD?

Most people who get macular degeneration are over age 65.  Some people, but not all people, lose their central vision slowly over many years.  In 10 to 15% of affected patients, vision loss is sudden if abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood under the retina. 

The AMD EyeCare Program is designed for people at increased risk for AMD, but who have NOT been diagnosed, and who:

·         Are age 65 and older.

·         Are US citizens or legal residents.

·         Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years

·         Do not belong to an HMO or the VA

Callers who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years and who are also at increased risk may be eligible to receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and, in most cases, up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. 

Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included. 

To supplement its award-winning referral program, EyeCare America has recently created a new website specifically designed to assist online users in learning more about eye problems such an AMD.

The site, eyecareamerica.org, contains up-to-date clinical information about AMD and other eye diseases reviewed by certified ophthalmologists (Eye MD’s) with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy.  Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient email forward function and order free brochures that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnosis, causes and risk factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases.

Other easy to use functions include online tools, such as a vision simulator, which allows users to see how vision would be affected from common eye diseases, and information videos, created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, that will provide visitors with a complete interactive experience. 

GSI 2007 FACTS

      In 2007 GSI served as guardian for 456 individuals.

§         106 were new appointments.

§         87 % were low income.

§         Volunteers visited clients over 4,780 times, which amounted to 5,736 hours of volunteer time.

In 2007 GSI served as money managers for 194 individuals.

§         19 participated in the bill payer program; 116 participated in the representative payee program; 11 were spending account clients; 48 were money management education students.

§          100 % were low income.

§         Volunteers visited clients over 1,023 times, which amounted to 1,137 hours of volunteer time.

 GSI Staff

§         11 Case Managers

§         1 Master Guardian, 9 Registered Guardians

§         3 Licensed Master Social Workers, 1 LVN with 38 years experience, 1 Master of Education

§         3 Certified Benefits Counselors

GSI’s Finances for 2006-2007:  total revenue of $ 990,669.

§         81 % of expenditures were for Direct Service Staff expenses.

§         19 % of expenditures were for administration and fund raising

§         77 % of revenue came from government grants and contracts.

§         10 % came from contributions.

§         13 % came from program fees and the United Way.

sfarrell@guardianshipservices.org.