EYE STUDIES SEEK VOLUNTEERS

Carolina Eye Associates, an eye physicians' group serving the Carolinas, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and tidewater Virginia, is participating in several trials of investigational treatments for diabetic eye complications. They are seeking volunteers, and you may qualify. Those accepted will receive free examinations and eye care for the duration of the study.

One study is of an investigational medication for non-surgical treatment of vitreous hemorrhage. As the majority of these cases follow proliferative diabetic retinopathy, this medication is of great interest.

The new medication, called Vitrase, is designed to help clear blood from the vitreous without vitrectomy surgery. They need volunteers, 18 years or older, who have recently experienced bleeding in the back of the eye.

Another study is of an investigational drug to treat diabetic macular edema. For this study, free pre-screenings are offered, with detailed eye examination--and the patient will be informed of the results, and appropriate physician reference provided. Those found eligible will be more fully informed about the study. For information about either of the above studies, call: 1-800-451-2752.

A number of sites in the U.S. are participating in the next study, of a new way to "seal" bleeding retinal capillaries without laser surgery. The condition is called "wet AMD," and the new treatment utilizes a combination of chemicals and focused light. This study, called "Photopoint" is seeking men and women over age 50, who have been diagnosed with wet AMD, and who have not had prior laser treatment. If you are interested in this study, please call: 1-800-451-2752, or (919) 781-2127.

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BLINDNESS BOOK AVAILABLE

The National Federation of the Blind has a resource for people who are newly blind, losing vision, or experiencing visual impairment. Packed with hints and tested advice, this book, IF BLINDNESS COMES, is available in large print, 2-track (music) or 4-track (NLS format) audiocassette, free of charge from: National Federation of the Blind Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314. The Materials Center is open 12:30pm to 5pm Eastern Standard Time, weekdays.

If you or a friend would like to remember the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind in your will, you can do so by employing the following language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the Diabetics Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, the sum of $_______________" (or "_______________ percent of my net estate" or "the following stocks and bonds:____________________") to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."