Webinar information
Genetic Testing and Research: Hope for Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases
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Genetic testing for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has increased rapidly in the past few years, due to the utility of a confirmed genetic diagnosis for the patient, their families and research community. A genetic diagnosis also helps to better understand the eye disease and potentially prognosis. Finally, knowing the mutation may help people qualify for specific clinical trials and help guide them to possible therapies.
In this educational webinar, Ben Shaberman, Vice President, Science Communications at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, will review IRDs as well as emerging therapies in this field. He will be accompanied by Michelle Glaze, Director of Professional Outreach and IRD Patients for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Michelle will share her personal journey towards her genetic diagnosis and the importance of patient registries from the patient’s and therapy developer’s point of view.
Webinar Objectives:
- To review the different inherited retinal diseases
- To present the emerging therapies in this field and their applications
- To understand the global importance of patient registries
Interested in learning more? Explore our on-demand webinars by clicking, here.
Speakers
Ben Shaberman
Ben Shaberman is the Vice President of Science Communications at the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Ben has been communicating retinal disease science and research for the Foundation for nearly 18 years. He presents the latest news on emerging therapies at local and national events for patients and families and conducts a variety of science education activities for staff and constituents. Ben hosts the Eye on the Cure podcast series which is available on most major podcast platforms. In addition, he reports on the latest research advancements for the Foundation’s electronic and print publications. Ben also enjoys working with constituents one-on-one to help them understand their retinal disease and the research underway that may benefit them. Ben has written three books – Retina Boy, Jerry’s Vegan Women, and The Vegan Monologues – all published by Loyola University (Maryland). He earned a Master of Arts in writing from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in systems management from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Science in computer information science from Cleveland State University.
Michelle Glaze
Michelle Glaze is the Director of Professional Outreach for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Michelle joined the Foundation in February of 2019 after 15 years in medical sales. Her passion for this role with the Foundation stems from personal challenges with vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. Michelle also serves on the board for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Michelle received a master’s degree in Education of the Deaf, with a minor in mathematics, from California State University, Fresno in 2000. She went on to teach Algebra at Central West High School for 3 years. After moving to Alabama, she began her career as a medical sales professional in 2004.