Calendar

Events in August 2023

  • Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

    Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


    Aug 2

    We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

    RSVP online to Stress Reduction and Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)


    Aug 2

    Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Join us for an inspiring series of student presentations. From uplifting songs to personal stories of overcoming adversity. Individual check-ins and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

    August Theme: Stories of Gratitude
    August 2: Someone Helped My Mom, a daughter’s story
    August 9: Tails of Gratitude, paws that changed our lives
    August 16: NO CLASS
    August 23: Closer Than Ever, siblings' thankful ties
    August 30: Grateful Melodies Week, embracing the music of gratitude

    RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)


    Aug 2

    Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

    When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
    Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

    For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

    Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

  • Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco (hybrid)

    Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco (hybrid)


    Aug 3

    Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco, Aug 3-4, 2023

    To celebrate our 60th anniversary, The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is hosting a hybrid conference on Functional Vision and Accessibility, a 2-day international workshop on translational research to address visual impairment and accessibility. The conference will bring together stakeholders (those experiencing vision loss and blindness) and those doing translational research (scientists, clinicians, and inventors) to address long-standing and emerging vision problems with promising new approaches. Currently we have a limited number of travel grants for trainees and members of underrepresented groups to attend. We are waiting to find out whether we get funding for more travel grants.

    More details of the meeting can be found at www.ski.org/FVAconference.

    Our sessions topics and speakers include:

    • Understanding the role of eye movements in active visual perception and their potential as a biomarker for various clinical conditions

    Speakers: Jacob Yates (UC Berkeley), Jorge Otero-Millan (UC Berkeley), Esther Gonzales (U Toronto), Christy Sheehy (CLight Technologies)

    Discussant: Preeti Verghese (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Understanding the role of the maldevelopment of vergence and accommodation on impaired binocular function and its functional consequences

    Speakers: Paul Gamlin (U Alabama Birmingham), Jenny Read (U Newcastle), Rowan Candy (U Indiana, Bloomington), Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo (U Waterloo)

    Discussant: Dennis Levi (UC Berkeley)

    • Evaluating retinal and cortical visual function in health and disease

    Speakers: Omar Mahroo (University College London), Ravi Jonnal (UC Davis), Yoichiro Masuda (Jikei University), Holly Bridge (Oxford University)

    Discussant: Christopher Tyler (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Brain plasticity after partial or complete loss of functional vision

    Speakers: Mriganka Sur (MIT) Wu Li (Beijing Normal University), Lotfi Merabet (Mass. Eye & Ear), Ione Fine (University of Washington)

    Discussant: Lora Likova (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Using emerging tools such as artificial intelligence and neural networks to understand human vision and visual dysfunction, and using AI and data science to complement human expertise

    Speakers: Miguel Eckstein (UC Santa Barbara) Frank Tong (Vanderbilt), Dan Yamins (Stanford), Danna Gurari (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder)

    Discussant: Laura Walker (Apple)

    • Using virtual and augmented reality in visual assessment, binocular training, and navigation

    Speakers: Ben Backus (Vivid Vision), Brandon Biggs (Georgia Tech), Paul Ruvolo (Olin College), Yuhang Zhao (Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison)

    Discussant: James Coughlan (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • A special session devoted to an in-depth discussion on vision restoration vs. using the remaining senses, in the context of the onset of visual impairment and the populations they serve 

    Speakers: Juliette MacGregor (Univ. of Rochester), Michael Beyeler (UC Santa Barbara), Dan Adams (Neuralink), Josh Miele (Amazon), Gordon Legge (Univ. of Minnesota), Sile O'Modhrain (Univ. of Michigan), Don Fletcher (Smith-Kettlewell)

    Discussant: Arvind Chandna (Smith-Kettlewell)

  • Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco (hybrid)

    Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco (hybrid)


    Aug 4

    Functional Vision and Accessibility conference, San Francisco, Aug 3-4, 2023

    To celebrate our 60th anniversary, The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is hosting a hybrid conference on Functional Vision and Accessibility, a 2-day international workshop on translational research to address visual impairment and accessibility. The conference will bring together stakeholders (those experiencing vision loss and blindness) and those doing translational research (scientists, clinicians, and inventors) to address long-standing and emerging vision problems with promising new approaches. Currently we have a limited number of travel grants for trainees and members of underrepresented groups to attend. We are waiting to find out whether we get funding for more travel grants.

    More details of the meeting can be found at www.ski.org/FVAconference.

    Our sessions topics and speakers include:

    • Understanding the role of eye movements in active visual perception and their potential as a biomarker for various clinical conditions

    Speakers: Jacob Yates (UC Berkeley), Jorge Otero-Millan (UC Berkeley), Esther Gonzales (U Toronto), Christy Sheehy (CLight Technologies)

    Discussant: Preeti Verghese (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Understanding the role of the maldevelopment of vergence and accommodation on impaired binocular function and its functional consequences

    Speakers: Paul Gamlin (U Alabama Birmingham), Jenny Read (U Newcastle), Rowan Candy (U Indiana, Bloomington), Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo (U Waterloo)

    Discussant: Dennis Levi (UC Berkeley)

    • Evaluating retinal and cortical visual function in health and disease

    Speakers: Omar Mahroo (University College London), Ravi Jonnal (UC Davis), Yoichiro Masuda (Jikei University), Holly Bridge (Oxford University)

    Discussant: Christopher Tyler (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Brain plasticity after partial or complete loss of functional vision

    Speakers: Mriganka Sur (MIT) Wu Li (Beijing Normal University), Lotfi Merabet (Mass. Eye & Ear), Ione Fine (University of Washington)

    Discussant: Lora Likova (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • Using emerging tools such as artificial intelligence and neural networks to understand human vision and visual dysfunction, and using AI and data science to complement human expertise

    Speakers: Miguel Eckstein (UC Santa Barbara) Frank Tong (Vanderbilt), Dan Yamins (Stanford), Danna Gurari (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder)

    Discussant: Laura Walker (Apple)

    • Using virtual and augmented reality in visual assessment, binocular training, and navigation

    Speakers: Ben Backus (Vivid Vision), Brandon Biggs (Georgia Tech), Paul Ruvolo (Olin College), Yuhang Zhao (Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison)

    Discussant: James Coughlan (Smith-Kettlewell)

    • A special session devoted to an in-depth discussion on vision restoration vs. using the remaining senses, in the context of the onset of visual impairment and the populations they serve 

    Speakers: Juliette MacGregor (Univ. of Rochester), Michael Beyeler (UC Santa Barbara), Dan Adams (Neuralink), Josh Miele (Amazon), Gordon Legge (Univ. of Minnesota), Sile O'Modhrain (Univ. of Michigan), Don Fletcher (Smith-Kettlewell)

    Discussant: Arvind Chandna (Smith-Kettlewell)

  • Vision: Peer-led Support Group (online)

    Vision: Peer-led Support Group (online)


    Aug 7

    Vision is a peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, “When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery”. Every first and third Monday of the month, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book available on BARD (DBC11619).

    August Topics

    August 7: A Home That Works for Everyone (Chapter 7)
    "When you have practiced making requests in stores and at reception desks, it’s time to start on roommates or family. This is tough. Everyone wants to have things the way they like them. Advocating for changes—at least in shared spaces—is a long job."

    August 21: Social Encounters Without Good Vision (Chapter 8)
    "You know you have lost good vision, but what exactly is missing? Why can talking to a friend seem like speaking into the void? Of course it’s all the visual cues you are missing. In psychological jargon they are called visual paralinguistics—information you get from eyes, faces, and body language, which often communicate more than the words. This is why you need some new strategies. It’s like learning a new part of your job. "

    Future Topics

    09/04: Independent Socializing (Chapter 9)
    09/18: Getting Out on Your Own (Chapter 10)
    10/02: Personal Recovery (Chapter 11)
    10/16: Whole Person Again (Chapter 12)

    RSVP online for Vision: Peer-led Support Group or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

  • National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)

    National Federation of the Blind: San Francisco Chapter Meeting (online)


    Aug 8

    The National Federation of the Blind is a nationwide community of members that believe blind people can live the lives they want. We meet online via Zoom with the following schedule:

    6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Happy (Half) Hour
    6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Chapter Meeting

    To RSVP, contact President Bobbi Pompey at bobbipompey@gmail.com or 336-988-6375.

  • Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

    Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


    Aug 9

    We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

    RSVP online to Stress Reduction and Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)


    Aug 9

    Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Join us for an inspiring series of student presentations. From uplifting songs to personal stories of overcoming adversity. Individual check-ins and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

    August Theme: Stories of Gratitude
    August 2: Someone Helped My Mom, a daughter’s story
    August 9: Tails of Gratitude, paws that changed our lives
    August 16: NO CLASS
    August 23: Closer Than Ever, siblings' thankful ties
    August 30: Grateful Melodies Week, embracing the music of gratitude

    RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)


    Aug 9

    Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

    When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
    Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

    For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

    Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

  • Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

    Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


    Aug 16

    We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

    RSVP online to Stress Reduction and Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)


    Aug 16

    Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

    When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
    Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

    For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

    Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

  • CCCLV Sunday Chat with Terry Pacheco

    CCCLV Sunday Chat with Terry Pacheco


    Aug 20

    California Council of Citizens with Low Vision invites you and your support networks to Sunday Chat with Terry Pacheco

    Ms. Pacheco, online program coordinator, and the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) 2nd Vice President, shares her personal story and public/private sector work experiences. Terry plans to discuss:

    1. Living with low vision.
    2. Items and strategies useful in day-to-day activities.
    3. Low vision's affect on your ability to find and continue work.

    Date: Sunday, August 20, 2023

    Time: 4–5 pm PST

    Location: Zoom

    Join Zoom Meeting by following this link  or call 1.669.900.6833

    Meeting ID: 859 2669 0965

    Passcode: 282367

  • Vision: Peer-led Support Group (online)

    Vision: Peer-led Support Group (online)


    Aug 21

    Vision is a peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, “When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery”. Every first and third Monday of the month, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book available on BARD (DBC11619).

    August Topics

    August 7: A Home That Works for Everyone (Chapter 7)
    "When you have practiced making requests in stores and at reception desks, it’s time to start on roommates or family. This is tough. Everyone wants to have things the way they like them. Advocating for changes—at least in shared spaces—is a long job."

    August 21: Social Encounters Without Good Vision (Chapter 8)
    "You know you have lost good vision, but what exactly is missing? Why can talking to a friend seem like speaking into the void? Of course it’s all the visual cues you are missing. In psychological jargon they are called visual paralinguistics—information you get from eyes, faces, and body language, which often communicate more than the words. This is why you need some new strategies. It’s like learning a new part of your job. "

    Future Topics

    09/04: Independent Socializing (Chapter 9)
    09/18: Getting Out on Your Own (Chapter 10)
    10/02: Personal Recovery (Chapter 11)
    10/16: Whole Person Again (Chapter 12)

    RSVP online for Vision: Peer-led Support Group or contact Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

  • Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

    Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


    Aug 23

    We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

    RSVP online to Stress Reduction and Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)


    Aug 23

    Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Join us for an inspiring series of student presentations. From uplifting songs to personal stories of overcoming adversity. Individual check-ins and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

    August Theme: Stories of Gratitude
    August 2: Someone Helped My Mom, a daughter’s story
    August 9: Tails of Gratitude, paws that changed our lives
    August 16: NO CLASS
    August 23: Closer Than Ever, siblings' thankful ties
    August 30: Grateful Melodies Week, embracing the music of gratitude

    RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)


    Aug 23

    Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

    When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
    Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

    For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

    Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

  • Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)

    Stress Reduction and Meditation (online)


    Aug 30

    We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Jeffrey Schneider has more than 40 years of meditation and teaching experience. It is a virtual class using the Zoom platform—everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfo rtable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.

    RSVP online to Stress Reduction and Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)

    Gratitude VIBES: August 2023 (online)


    Aug 30

    Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Join us for an inspiring series of student presentations. From uplifting songs to personal stories of overcoming adversity. Individual check-ins and a gratitude exercise follow presentations.

    August Theme: Stories of Gratitude
    August 2: Someone Helped My Mom, a daughter’s story
    August 9: Tails of Gratitude, paws that changed our lives
    August 16: NO CLASS
    August 23: Closer Than Ever, siblings' thankful ties
    August 30: Grateful Melodies Week, embracing the music of gratitude

    RSVP online for Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)

    Goalball with BORP (in-person)


    Aug 30

    Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.

    When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
    Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. Berkeley

    For more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org

    Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.

The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.

The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!

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