Foundation Fighting Blindness

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Foundation Fighting Blindness

The Foundation is the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Join the fight and help us accelerate our mission.
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The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation is a beacon for those affected by these blinding diseases.

05/31/2026

As we wrap up a meaningful month of conversation, awareness, and connection, we’re reflecting on the voices and stories that made May so meaningful.

The mental and emotional side of vision loss is real—and support matters. We’ll keep advancing treatments and cures while continuing to support the full journey, because this work doesn’t stop here.

Our Mental Health Resource Center is here for you, not just in May, but all year long. Because no one should have to navigate this alone.

Explore resources, stories, and support anytime: www.FightingBlindness.org/MentalHealth

Video Description: Jason stands in his office and speaks directly to the camera.

05/30/2026

Mental health looks different for everyone, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

While Mental Health Awareness Month may be coming to a close, the conversation doesn’t stop here—and neither does our commitment to supporting the vision loss community. Every story shared helps break down stigma, build connection, and ensure more people feel seen, understood, and supported.

Through our storytelling series, 'The Reality of an Invisible Disability,' Anam Minhas has shared her voice and is helping to bring visibility to the emotional side of vision loss. And you can keep these important conversations going all year long, too!

Share your story: www.FightingBlindness.org/invisible-disability-stories

Video Description: Anam sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee, speaking directly to the camera.

05/29/2026

No two vision loss journeys are the same, but no one is alone in what they’re feeling.

In our mental health community stories, individuals and families share honest experiences navigating the emotional side of vision loss—from uncertainty and identity to resilience and growth. These stories offer connection, understanding, and a reminder that support can take many forms.

Read and share: www.FightingBlindness.org/mental-health-stories

Image Description: [Slide one] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Austin sits on a wooden bench outdoors beside his dog, wearing sunglasses and long sleeves, with trees and greenery in the background. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "More than what you see." [Slide two] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Raquel posing at the San Diego VisionWalk with her Unblurred Warrior painting. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "Turning RP into a canvas of hope." [Slide three] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Rob posing holding his golf club. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "Seeing beyond GA." [Slide four] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo across the top. Krystle sitting in front of an audience holding and reading one of her books aloud. A blue box in the bottom right corner with text that reads, "A mother's vision of a more inclusive world."

05/27/2026

Better support starts with better understanding.

Our Therapist Resources, developed in collaboration with the blind and low vision community, offer insight into the emotional impact of vision loss and practical guidance for providing thoughtful, informed care. Whether you’re a professional or sharing with one, these resources are here to help.

Check out these important tips for mental health providers and explore more: www.FightingBlindness.org/mental-health-therapist-resources

Image Description: [Slide one] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo top center. Text below that says "15 important tips for mental health providers working with clients who identify as having a visual impairment." Followed by a green arrow across the bottom from left to right. [Slide two] Text that says "1. Blindness is a spectrum. 2. There is no way to “look blind.” 3. Do your own research. 4. Pity is not appropriate or appreciated. 5. Emotional validation and empathy are welcome and encouraged. 6. View the visual impairment as only one part of your client’s experience. 7. Vision loss can create a range of emotions." [Slide three] Text that says "8. Grieving the loss of a bodily function takes emotional energy and can divert time away from preferred life activities to learn new skills. 9. The adjustment process can include times of exhaustion. 10. Messages of hope or optimism for a cure in the future or messages that vision loss is 'awful' are not seen as helpful. 11. Not everyone feels negatively about their vision loss." [Slide four] Text that says "12. Respect the client’s choice to have a sighted guide join in some or all sessions if this helps them feel more comfortable. 13. Respect the client’s need for a guide dog. 14. Be conscious of the space you’re conducting sessions in. 15. Collaborate with the client regarding the use of any worksheets or recommended readings."

05/24/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Madison Maidenberg is opening up about the anxiety and overwhelm she’s been experiencing after noticing changes in her vision—and sharing some of the practices helping her cope.

From finding a therapist and journaling to meditation, reading, and just slowing down, Madison hopes her experience reminds others in the vision loss community to make space for themselves, too. 💙

What are some small things that help you reset when life feels overwhelming?
And feel free to explore the Foundation's mental health resources too:
www.FightingBlindness.org/MentalHealth

Video Description: Madison sitting on the couch talking directly to the camera discussing her mental health advice.

05/23/2026

We asked our community, and the therapists who support them, about mental health and vision loss.

Across two surveys, the message was clear: specialized support matters.

People navigating blinding diseases want care that understands their experience, and providers are ready to meet that need.

We’re using what we’ve learned to expand resources, strengthen connections to care, and better support the full vision loss journey.

Read more about what we heard and how it’s shaping our efforts: www.FightingBlindness.org/resources/seeing-the-whole-person-888

Image Description: [Slide one] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "100% of survey respondents said mental health support matters. Every single respondent to the Foundation Fighting Blindness Community Survey rated continued mental health resources as moderately, very, or extremely important." [Slide two] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "Alma Therapist Training Survey. Therapists are ready. And they want more." Three stacked boxes below each with text read [box one] "83% rated the training very or extremely helpful." [box two] "83% are seeing or plan to see blind and low vision clients." [box three] "69% rated training resources very or extremely helpful." More text below reads, "'Top notch.' How one provider described the training." Alma logo below. [Slide three] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "You are not alone. Vision loss is more than a medical diagnosis. Connect with therapists trained to understand the emotional journey of blindness and low vision." [Slide four] Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo in top left corner. Text below reads, "From our community," with a quote box below that reads, "My dad had Usher type 3 and was part of the blind and deaf community. These may have been very helpful resources to him. I strongly support the Foundation Fighting Blindness continuing to offer mental health support." Text below the box reads, "Community Survey Respondent. Reflecting on a father who lived with Usher syndrome until age 91."

05/22/2026

Spotlight on Stargardt Disease 👁️‍🗨️

Stargardt disease is the most common inherited juvenile macular dystrophy, most often caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and leads to progressive central vision loss as cells in the macula begin to break down.

Understanding the underlying genetic cause of Stargardt disease is critical to advancing research for this blinding disease.

Learn more about Stargardt disease at: https://www.fightingblindness.org/diseases/stargardt-disease

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and “Spotlight on Stargardt disease” logos in the top left corner. Text below reads, "DID YOU KNOW? Stargardt disease is the most common inherited juvenile macular dystrophy caused mainly by mutations in the ABCA4 gene."

05/21/2026

Accessibility includes mental health.

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re recognizing the importance of digital access and inclusion in connecting the vision loss community to mental health support. Through our Mental Health Resource Center, we’re working to ensure more individuals and families can access the tools, stories, and care they need—when and how they need it.

Join us in advocating for more accessible mental health support for all. 💙
www.FightingBlindness.org/MentalHealth

Image Description: Dark blue background with Foundation Fighting Blindness Mental Health Awareness Month logo top center. Two hands holding a smartphone showing the Mental Health Resource Center webpage. Text to the right that reads "This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we're striving to make mental health support more accessible for all."

05/20/2026

Spotlight on Stargardt Disease 👁️‍🗨️

Stargardt disease leads to the buildup of toxic vitamin A byproducts, known as lipofuscin, in retinal cells. This abnormal accumulation damages cells in the retina over time and typically results in progressive central vision loss.

As lipofuscin builds up in the macula — the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision — everyday tasks like reading and recognizing faces can become more difficult.

Learn more about Stargardt disease at: www.fightingblindness.org/diseases/stargardt-disease

Image Description: Dark blue background with the Foundation Fighting Blindness and “Spotlight on Stargardt” logos in the top left corner. Text below reads, "Stargardt disease leads to the buildup of toxic vitamin A derivatives called lipofuscin in retinal cells which lead to cell death and vision loss." A light blue DNA strand is breaking apart below.

05/18/2026

This week we're shining a Spotlight on Stargardt Disease—starting with Havah Fleisner (Through Her Eyes - Living Life Legally Blind) 👁️‍🗨️

Before she wore a crown, Havah was learning how to navigate life with Stargardt disease alongside her siblings.

Now, as Miss Northern Lights Teen 2026, she’s turning her experience with vision loss into a platform for advocacy, connection, and hope—helping others feel empowered to embrace their voice and their future with confidence.

Read Havah’s Beacon Story at: https://bit.ly/4nIYl1q

Video Description: Havah talking directly to the camera, wearing a black shirt, discussing her story with Stagardt disease.

Address

6925 Oakland Mills Road, #701
Columbia, MD
21045

Telephone

+18006835555

Website

http://www.FightingBlindness.org/

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