The Aging Eye

Barbara Perina, M.D., ophthalmologist and low vision specialist, will speak about diseases of the eye that can occur naturally as we get older at the Chapter II meeting on Thursday, March 17 at 10:00 am at Bernardsville Public Library. These conditions, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, the effects of diabetes, and glaucoma are all treatable and their symptoms can also be managed with preventative and medical care.

Resources for treatments and preventions will be discussed, as well as information on visual aids that help people with vision loss or impaired vision. There will be a question and answer period at the end. Light refreshments will be served.

Dr. Perina practices at the Eye and Laser Surgery Centers of New Jersey. She received her medical degree from the Albany Medical College of Union University after which she completed a medical internship at the Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. This was followed by a three-year ophthalmology residency and then a one year retinal fellowship at N.Y.U. - Bellevue Medical Center also in New York City. Dr. Perina practiced general ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery on the Connecticut shoreline before her interests turned to low vision. She received post-graduate low vision rehabilitation training at the Lighthouse in New York City, now the Lighthouse Guild International.

“It is important for patients to know there are options if vision fails,” said Dr. Perina, “As a low vision specialist, I work with patients to help improve visual function, specifically to help with what are called activities of daily living. These include reading a newspaper, watching TV, writing a letter and so on.”

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.