Friends of Vision

The Friends of Vision (FOV) is the volunteer arm of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO).

Mission Statement

Join DIO and the visually impaired community to assist the visually impaired in maintaining their independence and dignity, through education, support, and socialization so that they may live a satisfying and productive life in a sighted world. Membership in Friends of Vision is $25 per person per year. There are many opportunities for volunteer work which involve little time and energy (can be as little as 3 hours/month), but provide great rewards to those who become involved. Please call 313-824-4710 for information about membership.

Friendship, Fun, and Understanding - Support Groups for the Visually Impaired

Our support groups provide a comfortable environment to discuss the challenges of living fully with visual impairment. Our groups of 25-35 visually impaired seniors meet twice a month. They hear from speakers on a variety of topics. They meet in small groups to discuss their difficulties and successes in daily life. On occasion, they take day trips and attend parties. All this is made possible by the diligent fundraising of Friends of Vision.

There is no charge to the support group members for attending the general meetings. When possible, we assist in providing transportation to meetings. Individuals may attend the support groups for as long as they like, and many friendships have developed within the groups. However, we encourage new members to attend at least four meetings to begin. Many of our members have been in the support group for years. For information call Nancy Pilorget.

Support Groups for the Visually Impaired & Blind

---Senior Groups -

------1st & 3rd Monday Each Month
---------10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Grosse Pointe Park
---------DIO Building

------1st & 3rd Monday Each Month
---------1:00 P.M. - 2:15 P.M. St Clair Shores
---------St Lucy’s

------1st & 3rd Wednesday Each Month
---------10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Grosse Pointe Park
---------DIO Building

---Visionary Groups - 55 years and younger

------1st Wednesday Each Month
---------6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Grosse Pointe Park
---------DIO Building

Volunteer Opportunities:

---Facilitator Assistants (Day and Evening) at meeting
---Telephone Callers
---Drivers
---Gardner for ‘Scented Garden’

Annual Friends of Vision Special Events

---Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon—Steps for Sight
---Cash Raffle—EyesOn Design
---Private Eyes Brunch—EyesOn Design

---Membership Events:
------Theater Party
------Kentucky Derby Party

"I was very sad when told by the doctors what was ahead of me. Greatly discouraged, I finally pulled myself together and came to a meeting. This group has become a godsend."

--R.W. - Member, Visually Impaired Support Group

Friends of Vision Executive Committee 2008-2009 Elected Officers

President
---Nancy Pilorget

Membership Co-Vice Presidents
---Carolyn Barth
---Karen Leigh

Secretary
---Barbara Burnham

Treasurer
---Jo Darolfi

Representatives

---Sunshine
-------June Betzing

---Bylaws/Parliamentarian
-------Carla Teagan

---Memorials
-------Mary Johnson

---Volunteer Coordinator
-------Nancy Pilorget

---Honorary Member
-------Betsy Hessburg

---Members-at-Large
-------Pat Benz
-------Marleine Ricca
 
Special Committees   

---Steps for Sight
------Carolyn Barth
------Liberta Licata

---VISG Holiday Party
------Rose Regner
------Diane Sullivan

---Cookies
------Ellie Grifo
------Marian Proffitt

---FOV Raffle
------Dorothy Calpin
------Sandi Jorgensen

---EOD Brunch
------Ellen Chapin
------Darlene Sulad

---Kentucky Derby Party
------Nancy Pilorget
------Carla Teagan

---VISG Picnic
------Lillian Licata
------Roberta Moy

---Entertainment
------Martha Schwartzenberg

---Theater
------TBD

---The Eye and The Auto & The Eye and The Chip Bartimaeus Award Dinner
------TBD
 
Ex-Officio Executive Committee Members

---DIO Executive Administrator
-------Judi Dara

---Martha F. Gorey Resource Center
-------Dorothy Adams

---Senior Support Groups Coordinator
-------Nancy Pilorget

---Visionaries Group Coordinators
-------Judi Dara
-------Nancy Pilorget