THE NEED

for the Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute

No one wants to face a medical crisis with a loved one, but that was exactly the situation we faced... first, handling the unexpected need for emergency surgery in the hopes of saving our daughter's eye sight and then coping with the consequences. We had no idea where to take her to find the services she would need to help her maximize the vision she had left and to help her make countless transitions in her life.

After this very stressful and emotional experience, it became obvious to us there was a great need for a comprehensive vision rehabilitation institute to make it easier to find the services needed in the event of a sudden or gradual partial vision loss. After there is no further medical or surgical treatment indicated, the Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute fills a critical gap by providing life enhancing rehabilitative services. It is vitally important that these services be available to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

When researching the formation of the Institute, we were amazed to find that, in the greater Los Angeles area, there is a great need for vision screening of underserved elementary school-age children. Twenty-six percent of the children labeled as cognitively deficient actually have visual impairment which can be reversed through vision rehabilitation. This screening service is a vital part of the Institute's mission.

Our daughter's adjustment to her vision loss would have been easier and much less stressful had there been a Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute. Although we wish that no one else face a vision loss, the reality is that many will. Whether it be for the elderly or the young, the Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute fills a crucial need in the community, but we need your help. Financial resources are essential to making the Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute a reality. Your involvement as a donor or as a resource for other avenues of funding will make you a partner in this exciting endeavor. We look forward to working with you.

Fran and David Loew