Did you know that screening Going Blind can get patients into the care they need? Less than 5% of blind and visually impaired Americans obtain vision rehabilitative services of any kind. 70% of visually impaired people who could be working are unemployed because they do not know what resources are available to them. Screenings of Going Blind raise awareness by illustrating the various resources available to patients and doctors alike. Showing the film to your community members encourages them to seek the help they need.

Since licensing the film in January of 2011, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind (NHAB) has scheduled 27 screenings of Going Blind to their own members and to members of nearby organizations for whom they have sponsored screenings. George F. Theriault, President and CEO of NHAB, notes the impact the film has made on the medical community as well: “Eye medical professionals serving on the panels have commented that, having seen the film, they better understand how they can help patients by referring them to NHAB for rehabilitative services. Some have also said they now feel more comfortable discussing vision loss with their patients.”

Watch this video to see in George’s own words how the NHAB has used  Going Blind to build awareness around issues of vision loss, help with fundraising, and most importantly, get people into services. George will be participating in the NEI webinar on September 5 to speak more about his experiences using the film and to answer questions.