Enrique 'Henry' Oliu, Verizon and Vision Loss Groups to Host Event on Nov. 12 to Help Seniors Manage Diabetes and Vision Loss

CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of American Diabetes Month, the Verizon Foundation, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Lighthouse of Pinellas will host an event on Nov. 12 to help area seniors manage diabetes and vision loss -- a common side effect of advanced stages of the disease. Attendees will learn how to stay active, eat sensibly, and independently manage medications, despite low vision. Resources will be available in English and Spanish through the AFB Senior Site® (www.afb.org/seniorsite/diabetes), an award-winning Web site from the AFB and the Verizon Foundation that helps older Americans with low vision lead more independent, comfortable lives.

    WHO:        Enrique "Henry" Oliu, Spanish-language commentator
                 for the Tampa Bay Rays
                Donna Wiggins, a Florida resident with diabetes and
                 Vision loss
                Carl Augusto, president & CEO, American Foundation
                 for the Blind
                Dan Mann, president & CEO, Lighthouse of Pinellas
                Patrick Gaston, president, Verizon Foundation
                Michelle Robinson, Verizon Southeast region president

    WHAT:       Seniors Event on Managing Diabetes and Vision Loss

    WHEN:       10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12

    WHERE:      Ruth Eckerd Hall, Margaret Heye Great Room
                1111 N. McMullen Booth Road
                Clearwater

    BACKGROUND: There are 3.2 million Americans who have diabetes and vision
                loss. Successful management of diabetes requires great
                discipline, specific knowledge, skills and tools for
                self-care. With vision loss, there's yet another level
                of complication and risk added to a treatment regimen.