Hazel E.R. Widner
A donor's story
The longer you live, the greater your chances of developing age related macular
degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 60.
This debilitating disease robbed a local resident of her vision in one eye, but
it didn't take away her determination to do something about it.
During the course of her treatment, Hazel E.R. Widner came to the decision that others should have access to state-of-the-art treatment. After working with her Ophthalmologist, Dr. J.J. Timmes, then section chief of the Department of Ophthalmology at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Health System Foundation staff members, Mrs. Widner donated appreciated stock to purchase new, ophthalmologic and retina-specific lasers. The Hazel E.R. Widner Laser Eye Suite at Inova Fairfax Hospital is now equipped with the latest equipment so that all local residents can benefit from exciting new therapies for treating ARMD and other retinal diseases.
Her generosity didn't stop there. Mrs. Widner wanted to help others become aware of the warning signs of ARMD and to get annual screenings to help prevent serious vision loss. Therefore, part of her generous gift will also fund a public awareness campaign so that area seniors will receive reminders that a dilated eye exam can diagnose early ARMD and reduce their risk of severe vision loss from macular degeneration. In addition, because Mrs. Widner wanted to ensure continued public medical education and access to the latest equipment and treatment protocols for those in need, she named the Inova Health System Foundation as a beneficiary of her estate.
The Inova Health System Foundation salutes Hazel E.R. Widner for her dedication to the local community so that others will continue to be blessed with the gift of sight.
For more information about how you can help, click here or contact the Inova Health System Foundation at 703-289-2072, or via email: foundation@inova.org.
Test for Macular Degeneration
The simple Amsler Grid, used to check for the symptoms of macular degeneration, is available now as a convenient-to -use magnet.
To receive your FREE magnet from the Inova Health System Foundation, call 703-750-8800.
Vision Checks are Crucial for Those with Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect numerous areas of the body including the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74. If you have diabetes, an annual retinal eye exam can save your vision by detecting the disease early when treatment can help prevent vision loss.
The Inova Diabetes Center offers services at four locations and through Inova VNA Home Health.
- Inova Alexandria Hospital - 703-504-3678
- Inova Fair Oaks Hospital - 703-391-3746 Inova Fairfax Hospital, (2832 Juniper St., Merrifield) - 703-204-3300 Inova Mount Vernon Hospital - 703-664-7063
- Inova VNA Home Health - 703-204-2121
