Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety
organization, has launched a unique new resource, “GuideMe”, designed for those who have been diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).
The intent of the GuideMe books is to simulate as accurately as possible a post-diagnosis consultation with a doctor or therapist. They are not, however, designed as a substitute for the advice and directions of an eye
doctor. Users should make no assumptions about, or changes in, their diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment without the awareness of their treating physician.
GuideMe works by asking a few questions about the user and the user’s diagnosis. It then uses the answers to create a customized guide with helpful information, tips, resources and suggested steps to take to be proactive about protecting vision. The guide is compatible with a smart phone, tablet, laptop or PC. The customized Guide can be viewed online or downloaded and printed. If there are diagnosis changes and updates, users can return at any time and change their answers to create a new customized Guide.
GuideMe was designed and developed by patient advocate and low vision educator Dan Roberts, M.M.E. Roberts created and maintains the new Prevent Blindness online resource: “Living Well with Low Vision.”
“Your customized GuideMe resource provides important information you need, insight into challenges you may be facing, and steps you can take to protect your quality of life and independence,” said Roberts.
“We know that anyone who has been diagnosed with AMD will have lots of questions on how the disease may impact their daily lives,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We hope that patients and their caregivers will find GuideMe to be a helpful tool in navigating the new challenges that they may face.”
To create and download one of the GuideMe books, go to guideme.preventblindness.org. For more information on AMD, DME, or other general eye health information, call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020 or visit preventblindness.org.