At 77, Henry* struggles with many things he once loved, like playing cards with friends or riding bikes with his grandchildren. “I sometimes get sad,” he shared. “It’s a challenge to do things I took for granted even a few years ago.”
Henry is one of millions of Americans facing vision loss. With people living longer, eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes-related retinopathy are becoming more common—especially as we age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 3.4 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or visually impaired—and that number is expected to double by 2030.
In response to this growing need, JFCS proudly offers Seeing It Through Together—A Low Vision Educational and Support Group. Facilitated by JFCS Geriatric Social Worker Liane Friedberg, MSW, MSNPM, this group provides a caring and empathetic space for those facing vision loss while providing access to expert guidance, helpful resources, and practical tools for everyday life.
Over the course of six monthly meetings, participants will learn how to cope with vision changes, maintain their independence, and navigate family and community systems. Topics will include the latest treatments, independent living supports, and strategies to manage emotional challenges like frustration, fear, and isolation.
A new session of Seeing It Through Together will launch on Thursday, August 21, with additional meetings on September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18, and January 15. We invite community members impacted by vision loss to join this valuable group to find empowerment and connection.
There is a $36 registration fee (scholarships available). Advance registration is required by contacting Liane Friedberg at (856) 424-1333 ext. 1252 or lfriedberg@jfedsnj.org.
Grant funding for this group has been provided by the Raymond & Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation.
* Name changed to protect privacy.
