NEWS

Going Blind To Be Featured at the 2008 World Ophthalmology Congress in Hong Kong

NEW YORK, New York, June 26, 2008 -- Going Blind, a film-in-progress by award winning New York documentary director Joseph Lovett, will be shown at WOC2008. Lovett and associate producer Logan Schmid will be in Hong Kong not only to show excerpts from the film, but also to hear first hand from the leading researchers and clinicians on scientific advancements that might be included in their film on vision loss. They are looking to understand the latest research and what it holds for the future. They are also looking for partners in production and outreach when the film is finished.

Major supporters to date include The National Eye Institute (USA), Readers Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, Pfizer Ophthalmics, The Allergan Foundation, Allene Reuss Memorial Trust, The Gibney Family Foundation

Lovett, who won the Peabody Award for his celebrated Cancer: evolution to Revolution (HBO) started the film as while looking for answers about how to deal with his own vision loss from glaucoma.

"Despite losses from advanced glaucoma, I still have most of my sight thanks to early detection and proper treatment," says Lovett who has been in the care of Dr. Robert Ritch for 20 years.

"But I wanted those who have dealt with vision loss from other diseases " diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism " to have a chance to share their remarkable stories of staying connected in the world with the many tools that are available to them.

"I also want the film to encourage sighted people who take their vision for granted to understand the importance of regular eye exams that include examination of the optic nerve.

"No one should go blind from neglect. And everyone with severe vision loss should know about and have access to low vision therapy, rehabilitative services and mobility training."

Lovett and Schmid will be present at screenings of selections from Going Blind at the Video Screening Theatre, Room 605, Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Center.

Press Contact
Logan Schmid
+1 212 242 8999 x23
logan(at)lovettproductions.com