Diabetic Retinopathy: Other Places To Get Help

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is an association of medical eye doctors. It provides general information and brochures on eye conditions and diseases and low-vision resources and services. The AAO is not able to answer questions about specific medical problems or conditions.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a national organization for health professionals and consumers. Almost every state has a local office. ADA sets the standards for the care of people with diabetes. Its focus is on research for the prevention and treatment of all types of diabetes. ADA provides patient and professional education mainly through its publications, which include the monthly magazine Diabetes Forecast, books, brochures, cookbooks and meal planning guides, and pamphlets. ADA also provides information for parents about caring for a child with diabetes.

The American Foundation for the Blind is dedicated to addressing the critical issues of literacy, independent living, employment, and access through technology for the 10 million Americans who are blind or visually impaired.

Lighthouse International is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people of all ages to overcome vision impairment through vision rehabilitation services, education, research, and advocacy.

As part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Eye Institute provides information on eye diseases and vision research. Publications are available to the public at no charge. The Web site includes links to various information resources.

The National Library Service has established a national network of cooperating libraries to provide a free library program of braille and audio materials. Materials, including some magazines, in braille, large print, or cassette can be borrowed postage-free by people who are eligible for the service.

Prevent Blindness America assists the visually impaired and provides consumer information on vision problems and vision aids. Many states have local affiliates.