Knoxville, TN -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/19/2014 -- Across the United States, over eleven million Americans suffer from some form of AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and that number is expected to double by the year 2050.

However, to the average person on the street in Tennessee, AMD and the concept of ‘low vision’ remains a mystery.

Seeking to raise awareness of this pervasive disease, Dr John Pino and the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists are focused on educating the public through ‘Low Vision Awareness Month’, which takes place in February.

“Many people might ask, ‘what exactly is low vision?” says Dr Pino, Low Vision Optometrist and member of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists. “It’s a common question. Low vision is a term normally used to mean ‘partial sight’ or sight that isn’t fully correctable with surgery, medications, contact lenses or glasses.”

In the United States specifically, the most common causes of low vision are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Those born with conditions such as albinism or optic nerve damage can also be afflicted with low vision. Macular Degeneration affects the retina in two forms – dry and wet AMD. The dry form of AMD is more common, and is generally associated with less severe loss of vision. There is no treatment for dry AMD. Wet AMD can cause severe vision loss due to the leaking of blood or fluid from the retinal blood vessels. Treatments to stop the leak and reduce the level of vision loss are effective but there is no cure for any type of AMD.

The IALVS, of which Pino is a respected member, is a group of low vision optometrists who were intensively trained and are highly experienced in helping low vision patients live their best life. IALVS Doctors prescribe and dispense the highest quality, optically advanced, hands-free low vision devices available.

“Many eye doctors will tell patients that nothing more can be done,” says Pino. “What we hope to achieve with February’s Low Vision Awareness Month is to educate patients to seek an opinion through an IALVS doctor. We are trained to equip patients with custom designed advanced optical technology in the form of miniature telescope, microscope, prismatic, and other unique glasses that can truly make a difference in quality of life. Often, people think they must give up their hobbies – but our glasses can help with driving (in some states), reading, watching television, seeing people’s faces more clearly and a myriad of other tasks. It isn’t necessary for those afflicted with AMD to give up their independence or lose hope.”

For more information, call 855-405-8800 or visit http://www.lowvisiontn.com.

About IALVS
The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes in LIFE AFTER VISION LOSS. The IALVS brings new hope and sight to those with macular degeneration and other vision limiting conditions. The IALVS can bring back the enjoyment of retirement.

If you are now having problems seeing and doing the things you have enjoyed, an IALVS eye doctor may be able to help. If you have been told by your eye doctor that a change in your eyeglass prescription will not help you see any better, call IALVS doctor who is trained to design low vision glasses that can make a difference.

When your doctor says, "Sorry I cannot get you to see any better," an IALVS doctor often says, "It may not be perfect, but it definitely is better!"

About Dr. John Pino
Dr. John Pino has been providing primary eye care for 26 years in Middle Tennessee. As clinical director of one of the largest Optometric practices in Tennessee, Dr. Pino focuses on providing the latest technology to his patients. He is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Optometric Association. Dr. Pino is also a fellow of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, an elite group of only 31 professionals worldwide. He is passionate about helping people regain their ability to perform certain visual tasks like driving, reading, or watching television.

Dr. Pino also holds a Ph.D. in the field of nutrition. He places great emphasis on the importance of nutrition with his patients. As a former cancer survivor, he is passionate about empowering people to live healthier and happier lives. Dr. Pino is also a Professional Health Coach, and he enjoys lecturing and doing research in the field of nutrition. Dr. Pino, a native of the great state of Tennessee, resides in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he practices. He has been happily married for 30 years and has two sons. Dr. Pino provides Low Vision Care throughout the state of Tennessee.