
Blinded Veterans Association Operation Peer Support participants Matt Slaydon, Shianti Lee, Tom Zampieri, Tim Hornik, Sean Johnson, Steve Baskis, Glenn Minney, and Don Gagliano
In May Sean and I attended the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) national conference in Denver, Colorado. Sean was one of three veterans who represented the Blinded Veterans Association’s (BVA) Operation Peer Support on a panel addressing traumatic brain injury and vision loss.
These veterans shared their personal experiences with brain injuries sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan and how their vision was ultimately imapacted. They were joined on stage by researchers and medical professionals who have extensive experience with brain injury and vision loss.
Former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis spoke briefly about his experience with TBI due to his injuries on the football field and the impact on his life. He encouraged participants to continue to research brain injury, especially for military service members.
Throughout the weekend we attended other sessions to learn about ground-breaking research and life-changing technology.
To learn more, folllow these links:
Brain injuries get closer look at Denver conference
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/health/brain-injuries-get-closer-look-at-denver-conference
Vision and Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans and Athletes