|
|
We share stories chased with the truth.
To advocate, educate, inspire both elder and youth.
There’s power in all eye stories; ASPECT program is proof.
Changing minds, systems, and policies by storytelling is what we do.
So don’t hesitate to reach out to the Prevent Blindness crew!
|
| Happy New Year, Superheroes! | As we step into a new season, we choose the dream that unites us with an undeniable vision, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is not a reflection year. This is a TAKE-ACTION year. Dreams don’t change the world. Activated people do. So suit up! It’s time to show up like ASPECT Awareness Heroes activating: Access, Awareness, and Service wherever we go. | Lights, Camera, Advocacy! | | Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NOPE! It’s Patricia L. Caulfield, a certified SUPERHERO who has touched down at the ASPECT Headquarters. Prepare to step into a world of a visionary who creates change one canvas at a time. Some people talk about change; she paints it into existence, and every detail tells a story. For this reason, the spotlight shines where it should on this beautiful portrait. | | Picture Description of Patricia L. Caulfield: She stands centered in the frame, wearing a black top that is sleek, powerful, and intentional. Her auburn hair frames her face with strength and grace, and her steady smile carries quiet confidence, creativity, and courage. Behind her is a vibrant abstract landscape with soft blues, greens, and warm tones. There’s no cape, no mask, just presence that proves that true power shows up through the heart. | | |
Not all heroes wear capes, and Patricia proves it. Her superpower? Turning art into advocacy and vision into action while lighting up access in every room she enters ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Following vision loss from glaucoma, Patricia redefined her purpose. Through her annual art shows and silent auctions, she curates and elevates the work of visually impaired artists from around the world, creating access, awareness, and opportunity. Her exhibitions are more than art displays; they are platforms for education, connection, and change.
Service is at the heart of Patricia’s mission. Through her nonprofit, InSight Arts, advocacy work, and community engagement, she raises awareness about glaucoma and other eye conditions. Her shows also feature educational lectures, artist demonstrations, and inclusive experiences.
Patricia’s exhibitions are more than galleries; they’re hero headquarters. They inspire communities to prioritize eye health, encourage yearly comprehensive eye exams, and champion the preservation of vision. With every brushstroke, she opens doors, ignites conversations, and reveals the scenic colors of advocacy.
Follow her journey and witness hero work in real time.
www.patricialcaulfield.com
| | |
Nominate an ASPECT advocate!
Have you seen a hero in action? Don’t delay, nominate them today! ASPECT Alumni, your moment starts here. Just tap the button below and let the spotlight glow.
| | |
Julie Mo to the Rescue!
Ever wondered what the world looks like through the eyes of someone with glaucoma? The Glaucoma Vision Simulation isn’t just an app; it’s a full-on eye-opening superhero experience. This app uses your camera to give you a real-time glimpse into how glaucoma can impact vision, putting you right in the moment so you can truly see the difference. It’s immersive, informative, and designed to spark understanding in a powerful way.
But it doesn’t stop there. This hero tool comes packed with tips, tricks, and must-know gems, from early warning signs to everyday habits that support eye health. Think of it as your sidekick for sight, delivering knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand, empowering, and actionable. It’s giving awareness with attitude! Go download the app because knowing your risk is powerful. Prevention is essential. And protecting your vision? That’s the mission we all share.
You don’t need a cape to protect your sight, just the right app! So…what the app are you waiting for? The power is in your hands. Download now. No heroes left behind.
| | |
Please pull out your slat and stylus to take notes about the hero behind the dots, who changed access forever. In honor of Braille Awareness Month, we celebrate the legacy of a true game-changer, Louis Braille. After losing his sight at a young age, Louis didn’t retreat, he activated change. By age 15, he created the tactile system that turned barriers into bridges and unlocked literacy, independence, and opportunity for millions around the world.
Don’t believe me? The proof is in the dots! Just ask the Braille Leaders who have the power to turn you into a braille believer.
“When I was six years old, I started learning to read and write Braille. I remember seeing a Perkins Brailler for the first time. I thought it was going to be a struggle to learn, but was also fascinated with this heavy metal device. Very quickly, I fell in love and began to appreciate Braille. Without access, I wouldn’t have been able to live independently, participate in braille competitions, and earn my college degree.”
—Daria Bannerman
“Braille didn’t just teach me to read: it gifted me a life of independence. Braille isn’t old school, and we must continue to advocate for braille in all schools so no child will be left behind despite their blindness.”
—Conswella Bates
“I did not learn Braille as a child, but at the age of 50! It was a challenge, but well worth it. I use level one Braille, but I use it almost every day. It is on my treadmill controls, my microwave; I use it for short quotes and scriptures I want to note, for phone numbers, and for presentation outlines. This year, at the age of 60, I want to learn and use level two Braille. My motivation…to read poetry in my own voice! Braille gives access to greater independence, functionality, and creativity!”
—Carol King-Ries
| |
Visionary Spotlight:
Heroism in Action
| | This month, the Visionary Spotlight shines on an individual who embodies the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., showing us that true greatness is found in serving others. | | Picture Description of Aidan Moore: A smiling hero with a calm, assured presence, wearing glasses and a light blue striped button-down shirt. The relaxed posture and warm expression reflect an approachable leader with quiet strength and clear vision. | | |
A true hero doesn’t just fight battles. They stand beside the people who need them most and build pathways to hope, safety, and support.
That’s exactly how Aidan Moore shows up. As Executive Director of the Dry Eye Foundation, Aidan transforms compassion into action while leading with empathy, listening with intention, and protecting patients through education, advocacy, and community-powered programs.
From safeguarding eye-drop safety and reporting unsafe products to the FDA, to mobilizing advocates on Capitol Hill and leading the first-ever National Dry Eye Patient Symposium and Advocacy Day. It is evident that service is his superpower, and impact is the result.
Through service and advocacy, his unwavering commitment makes one thing clear: he is a true visionary in action. When “How can we help?” becomes the mission…
A hero rises.
And when a hero rises…
A movement is born.
Your next step starts here: dryeyefoundation.org
You can also call or text: (800) 484-0244
| | |
EYECAN Dream
Say it with me… REWIND!
EYECAN Dream
Let’s take it back to the EYECAN meetings where dreams take action and advocacy comes alive through storytelling. Did you miss our EYECAN series? Well, no worries, we’re back!
Calling all Dreamers! If you are ready to build, network, and grow, please fly in and let’s turn our dreams into reality together.
January 26
6:30pm CT
Activate Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83689378986?pwd=6uHbTG7pLzs1wBaIa1AjXbRbtPot6k.1
Meeting ID: 836 8937 8986
Passcode: 764061
| | |
When we share dreams, we spark awareness.
When we raise voices, we protect sight.
When we stand together: dreams turn into reality.
#ASPECTDREAMS Challenge Activated!
| | | Every superhero needs the right tools, and we've got you covered. Double tap the links below and explore a world of resources that empower, educate, and activate your advocacy. | | |
⚡️ Ready to level up? Tap into 6 Life Changing Hacks from two power players, Corey & Sam, who know how to make low vision living work while changing the game for us all. Watch it here.
⚡️ Knowledge is power. Explore glaucoma information and resources designed to help safeguard sight. Learn more here.
⚡️ Join us for a free webinar “Critical Conversations about Glaucoma” on January 20th from 3-4 PM CT and hear from our ASPECT graduate, Hillary Golden! Register here.
⚡️ Dot by dot. Power unlocked! Learn more about braille and see what all the dots are about. Learn more here.
⚡️ Hero Alert: Vision on the Line. Proposed budget cuts would reduce the CDC Vision and Eye Health Program by millions. Funding expires January 30. In less than a minute, your voice can help protect sight nationwide. Protect sight here.
⚡️ Angeline Hsu shares how access to the right resources can truly change your life. As a powerful storyteller, she speaks with honesty and heart, activating the power of her voice in a way that transformed her own life and continues to impact everyone who hears her story. Experience Angeline’s story here.
| | What's on the Back of Your Cape? | | At ASPECT, we believe that every hero carries a story of dreams, strengthened through adversity, guided by lessons meant to light the way for others, and inspire change. This is your reminder: your dream isn’t waiting on permission. EYECAN see it. ASPECT believes it. Prevent Blindness supports it. The moment that you’ve been waiting for is here. The dream is ready. Are you? | | The ASPECT program is generously supported by Amgen, Genentech, Novartis, Astellas, Kyowa Kirin, Mallinckrodt, Regeneron, Alexion, Apellis, Alkeus, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Johnson & Johnson, Nanoscope Therapeutics, Spark Therapeutics, and Viridian. | | Support the Sight-Saving Work of Prevent Blindness | | | | |
