Q. What makes Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute unique?

A. Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute will offer a comprehensive solution to maximizing vision and improving quality of life for the patient and their family. At one location, a patient will be able to have:

• a complete assessment by a specially trained Low Vision Optometrist
• training on assistive devices and tools
• meet with a mobility specialist
• a social worker(case manager) and psychologist will be available to meet with the patient and their family

Having all of these services in one location eliminates unnecessary travel which is difficult for the visually impaired.

Q. Who will be able to use the Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute?

A. Anyone with vision impairment who wants to maximize his or her vision after medical and surgical treatment options are exhausted. Although most of our patient's will be referred by a physician, a patient can come to Loew Vision Rehabilitation Institute without a referral.

Q. What will these services cost?

A. For those capable of paying for their services or for those who have insurance or Medicare, an appropriate fee will be charged. However, everyone will be served, regardless of ability to pay.

Q. What is the timeline for establishing the rehabilitation clinic, outreach program and research component?

A. Our initial efforts are to open a quality vision rehabilitation clinic in the first quarter of 2010. Simultaneously, we will be building the infrastructure to operate the youth outreach program. Funding optic nerve research will follow.

Q. Where will the rehabilitation clinic be located?

A. We will be looking for optimum space close to Cedars Sinai Hospital and Medical Center.

Q. What percentage of donated funds will go directly for service delivery?

A. Based on our preliminary budget, five percent will be required to handle fundraising costs. All other contributions (95%) will go directly to patient care.