VISION QUEST 2010 CALGARY: RP Conference
Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way (map)
Chair: Dr. Bill Stell, Ph.D., M.D., University of Calgary
REGISTER ONLINE NOW - SEATS ARE LIMITED!
Tickets are $40 per person before September 3, 2010 and $55 thereafter.
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. |
Registration |
| 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. |
Opening Ceremonies - Sharon Colle, CEO & President, FFB Speakers Introductions - Dr. Bill Stell, University of Calgary |
| 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. |
Reprogramming Retinal Cells Dr. Gautam Awatramani, Dalhousie University Dr. Awatramani will discuss leading research to restore vision in people already blind from retinal degeneration. Reprogramming retinal cells and repairing circuits damaged during retinal degeneration will be discussed in conjunction with a recent FFB funded discovery. |
| 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. |
Gene Therapy and Preventing Cell Death Dr. Bill Stell, University of Calgary Dr. Stell will discuss the recent finding by Dr. Tsilfidis and her team who have show that a gene called XIAP can prevent retinal cell death. XIAP gene therapy can protect these cells from dying, resulting in significant preservation of vision. This talk will give an overview on what XIAP gene therapy means for patients with retinitis pigmentosa and related conditions. |
| 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. |
Refreshment break, mix and mingle and exhibits |
| 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. |
Stem Cell Therapy: Where Are We Now Dr. Carol Schuurmans, University of Calgary Stem cell therapies have the potential to benefit Canadians with degenerative eye diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration and corneal diseases. By replacing cells that have been lost through disease or injury, stem cell therapies could potentially benefit anyone, at any stage of eye disease. This discussion will give an overview of the most recent advances of stem cell research. |
| 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. |
Seeing the Light: Living with Vision Loss Kathy Jarrell, Clinical Counselor, CNIB Changes to your eye sight over time due to a retinal degenerative disease can vary from scary to surreal to stressful. Learn new tips on how to help tackle these challenges and how to better support family members living with visual loss. |
| 11:45 - 12:15 p.m. |
Keynote Speaker – Bill McKeever Bill McKeever is a retired teacher and dad of 2010 Paralympics Gold Medalist, Brian McKeever. Bill McKeever not only has a successful son with Stargardt’s Macular Degeneration, but despite having Stargardt’s himself has had a successful career as a school teacher. He will share his compelling story about raising a family and managing a successful career while coping with his and his son’s diagnosis. Taking Action Ann Morrison, Director of Philanthropy, FFB |
| 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks – Sharon Colle, CEO & President, FFB |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Join us in the foyer for snacks, drinks and networking |
VISION QUEST 2010 CALGARY: AMD Conference
Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way (map)
Chair: Dr. Anna Ells, Retina Specialist, Ells Retina Centre, University of Calgary
REGISTER ONLINE NOW - SEATS ARE LIMITED!
Tickets are $20 per person before September 3 and $30 thereafter.
| 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. |
Registration |
| 2:00 - 2:10 p.m. |
Opening Ceremonies – Sharon Colle, CEO and President, FFB Speaker Introductions – Dr. Anna Ells, Ells Retina Centre and University of Calgary |
| 2:10 - 2:50 p.m. |
What’s New in AMD Research Dr. Anna Ells, Ells Retina Centre and University of Calgary An overview of the current and emerging treatments for wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. |
| 2:50 - 3:30 p.m. |
Seeing the Light: Living with AMD Kathy Jarrell, Clinical Counsellor, CNIB Changes to your eye sight over time due to AMD can vary from scary to surreal to stressful. Learn new tips on how to help tackle these challenges and how family members can better support their loved ones living with vision loss. |
| 3:30 - 3:40 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:40 - 4:20 p.m. |
How Nutrition & Lifestyle Can Help Your Eyes Dr. Yves Sauvé, University of Alberta Hear which nutrients can slow down age-related macular degeneration and how much you need. Learn how healthy eating and lifestyle changes can protect your vision. |
| 4:20 - 4:30 p.m. |
Closing Remarks – Ann Morrison, Director of Philanthropy, FFB |
Vision Quest programs and speakers subject to change.