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What is OcuSource?

OcuSource provides access to reliable resources to the blindness and low vision industry. We bridge the gap between blind or low vision consumers and medical professionals, agencies, service organizations, resellers and manufacturers. Whether you are a consumer with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, acquired or congenital blindness, OcuSource has something for everyone!

OcuSource was founded by Dr. Lou Lipschultz, a low vision practitioner and a former executive with a leading manufacturer in the blindness and low vision industry. His years of experience provided Lou the opportunity to see the industry from both the medical and the industry perspectives. This allowed him to identify multiple resources lacking in an industry heavily reliant on both.

The OcuSource team is committed to empowering the consumer. The site provides information about eye disorders, disease specific news and research, as well as its most valued tool, the “Product Analyzer Tool.” OcuSource is the most comprehensive database of vendors, products, and local & national resources domestically and internationally.

OcuSource provides solutions for every aspect of the this crucial industry:

• Consumers need information on products and professional services.
• Organizations need cost effective procurement of products and services, as well as exposure and fundraising resources.
• Vendors who assist individuals with hands on evaluations, demonstrations and training need cost effective visibility to consumers.
• Manufacturers need to grow to be able to invest in the research and development of innovative solutions.

Resources

OcuSource is a central location for resources for all aspects of the blindness and low vision industry.

Services

The Resource Finder is a massive database of doctors, organizations, agencies, vendors and other professionals worldwide. Visitors can search by zip code or name. Once a resource is found such as a low vision specialist, OcuSource even allows the visitor to request contact, or even demonstrations of products. Our goal is to provide a centralized source of information that all webmasters can access for their web sites, eliminating costly researching and calling. Just a few of the resources found on OcuSource include:

• Doctors
• Vendors
• Organizations and agencies
• Therapists & trainers
• Support groups

Information

You'll also find up-to date news, statistics, current research, clinical trials, information on vision disorders, a product dictionary and many more resources for family, staff, or professionals.

Products

The Product Analyzer Tool allows visitors to narrow their choices within a category of products by reviewing up to 20 key features on each categories of products. OcuSource does not sell products. OcuSource does not recommend the purchase of products without professional evaluations and recommendations. Selecting the "buy" option on products connects the consumer to local service providers so that the correct devices are dispensed. If local vendors are not available, manufacturers will then be contacted to provide the product.

Self Assessment

OcuTrack is a free online visual acuity monitoring tool. A patent-pending process allows the end user to monitor their visual acuity via any computer. The self assessment tool provides a more controlled environment for tracking which results in a greater chance of identifying small changes in vision. Early detection leads to early intervention. This is critical in disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

VFQ is a free online assessment tool developed originally by the National Eye Institute, and Rand Corporation. We've created an online version which provides users a series of questions. The goal of this tool is to assess the impact of vision loss on different areas of daily living such as near activities, driving, and other components of daily life.

Auctions

OcuSource Auctions provides a centralized location to buy and sell used equipment through a custom designed accessible auction system. Used devices become available when users upgrade to newer technology, the unfortunate passing away of the user, or progression of the vision disorder. Unlike the massive auction sites currently online, OcuSource Auctions is focused on blindness and low vision products, making it convenient to find exactly the product desired. From daily living devices to advanced technology, our Auctions provide worldwide access to used product at amazing prices. For sellers, it's the ideal marketplace to sell through due to its focused viewer ship and extremely low listing and sales fees.

Procurement

Ocusource Bid Management is the first free online request for bid (RFB) Management Tool created specifically for assistive technology. Agencies and organization providing accessibility services to blind or vision impaired individuals frequently rely on the bidding process to procure products. Designed specifically for the vision impairment industry, Once the RFB is created, the system searches for vendors carrying products that match the specifications on the RFB, and automatically notifies them of the opportunity. This process provides a greater number of bids, leading to increased competition, and in the end, better pricing for corporate and government buyers where cost containment is essential.

Professional Services

To assist the entire industry in lowering costs, OcuSource created it's Professional Services division. The powerful database driving OcuSource allows OcuSource to provide essential resources to businesses and marketers:

• Professional referral services for medical professionals and vendors.
• Business listings - inexpensive listings allow you to raise the profile of your business
• Individual marketing services
• Collaborative marketing activities - OcuSource acts as the coordinator of collaborative campaigns to lower marketing costs to vendors (see LetsGoExpo)
• Consulting services for new companies entering the industry, or veteran companies desirous of expert advice.

LetsGoExpo

LetsGoExpo is a web-based voice-conferencing system, all in an accessible format. View presentations, meet live with speakers and vendors, even meet others in the "Cafe". You have to see it to believe it!