FAIRHOPE, Ala. — There are thousands in the area who experience some form of visual impairment, and therefore have difficulty performing some of the simple tasks others take for granted. There is assistance available, however, and that will be the subject of a free seminar on Wednesday, April 14, titled “Eye Disease in the 21st Century: Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation.”

The session will take place from 10-11 a.m. at the James P. Nix Center, 1 Bayou Dr. in Fairhope. A free vision screening will follow from 11 until 1 p.m., and there will also be adaptive equipment and magnifiers on exhibit.

Speaking will be Dr. Mark Douglas, a retina specialist with Premier Medical Group; occupational therapist Carol Evans OTR/L with Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation (CSVR); and Dr. Joseph Fontenot, medical director of CSVR.

Technology has caught up with the need, Fontenot said. Adaptive devices available these days are far more advanced than they once were, he said, and many have come down in price. Some are still beyond the reach of the average person, however.

That’s where CSVR comes in. The nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization opened its doors in 2003, and has since provided medical evaluation, training and assistance to more than 500 individuals with vision impairment.

Their mission is “to provide modern, comprehensive, compassionate and multidisciplinary care to those with vision loss.”

CSVR sees anyone who suffers from vision impairment, regardless of age, insurance coverage or any other such considerations. Their services for medical evaluation, education and training are provided no matter a patient’s health insurance coverage or income level, according to Fontenot. The only upfront requirement, he added, is that they make an appointment in advance.

He said individual donations and gifts from organizations like the Crampton Trust and the Hong Kong Society for the Blind make CSVR’s work possible. One of the most recent donations was a Crampton gift of $20,000.

“The Crampton Trust has been very generous,” Fontenot said.

Among the hardware CSVR makes available are strong reading glasses, handheld magnifiers, CCTV-adaptable text devices, freestanding readers and lighted magnifiers. Some devices are free, while others are available for a cost of $400 to $3,000.

Even though the devices folks with more severe degrees of impairment are quite expensive when purchased new, used machines may often be obtained at reduced cost.

CSVR strives to obtain devices such as strong glasses, optical and electronic magnifiers and aids for indigent patients at reduced or no cost. They have solicited donations of used equipment from several companies with limited success.

A few individuals have donated equipment no longer being used, and another nonprofit group, Sight Savers America, has given CSVR several relatively simple electronic magnifiers valued at $400 each, which in turn have been given out at no cost.

There are other options for the visually impaired as well, such as computer software that enlarges the type size on Web sites, or even reads aloud using an electronic voice. Fontenot said, “Anyone who is blind can use a computer.”

Internet-based resources are accessible as well, and a local effort, the WHIL Radio Reading Service, broadcasts daily programming to those with impaired vision. Another, Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System (BRATS) helps by offering low-cost rides to folks with disabilities.

“We work as closely as we can with state agencies,” Fontenot said. Among them, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, can provide assistance for working age patients. Some might not meet their criteria for aid, however, because of age, lack of job qualifications or a number of other reasons.

Military veterans are often eligible for assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he said, and many are not aware of their eligibility. CSVR advises them of the services available, and also contacts VIST (Visual Impairment Service Team) program counselors in Mobile, Biloxi and Pensacola to help ensure their needs are met.

“The reason for having these talks is to let people know what is available,” Fontenot said. “The majority of people with vision loss never get help because they don’t know what is available. They can continue their hobbies or avocation and live independently. We have an adaptive devices person who can train them on the equipment, and also have an occupational therapist.”

He said a 2005 survey of Philadelphia, Pa. residents found that only 16 percent of those with vision problems received the proper help because they weren’t aware of the available services and equipment.

Fontenot pointed out CSVR help will be needed more than ever as state programs are cut back due to a lack of funding.

“The bottom line is much is available to help those with vision loss,” he said. “Our goal is to help them help themselves by becoming independent.”

CSVR expanded in 2006 to include an office in Mobile, and recently opened a location in Montgomery.

Board members from Baldwin County include Dr. Elizabeth Coward of Foley, Bayne Bridges of Gulf Shores, Rick Trione of Fairhope, Judy Wilson of Daphne and Dr. Melissa Hoercher of Daphne.

The April 14 event is sponsored by Thomas Hospital, the Lions Club of Fairhope, the Macular Degeneration Foundation and Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation.

Call the Nix Center at (251) 928-2835 to ensure seating, and call (251) 928-2888 for more information. For additional information about Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation, visit www.csvrlowvision.org.