July 5 , 2007

Contact:
Ken Ma
Office of Public Affairs
3301 College Avenue
Davie, FL. 33314-7796
954-262-5354 Office
954-830-4177 Cell

Nova Southeastern University Sponsors Cooking Show
for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Fort Lauderdale, FL ---- Nova Southeastern University’s College of Optometry will underwrite a full season of the TV show “Cooking Without Looking”.

The show, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. on WXEL-TV42 PBS in South Florida, offers ways for those with low vision, blindness and vision impairment to safely cook healthy and delicious meals. It’s the first television show of its kind created for the blind and visually impaired and low-vision people that focuses on eye-care health for everyone. It’s a way of getting the message out about solutions to low vision, blindness and vision impairment.

 “We not only want to underwrite Cooking Without Looking, we want to become involved on many other levels as well,” said David S. Loshin, O.D., Ph.D., Dean and Professor of Optometry at NSU’s College of Optometry.  “For example, we’d like the shows’ hosts to demonstrate their cooking skills for our students as well as our patients in our low vision rehabilitation program.”

Also providing insight from the College of Optometry are Nicole A. Patterson, O.D., Chief, Low Vision & Geriatric Services, as well as Linda S. Rouse, O.D., Chief Operations Officer of The Eye Care Institute and Assistant Professor.

“The premise of our show is hope.  There are solutions available for visual impairment, and ways of reducing the challenges that low vision and blindness present,” said Ren’ee Rentmeester, Cooking Without Looking’s creator and executive director.  “Our association with NSU is a great match because The Eye Care Institute, in conjunction with the Lighthouse of Broward County, helps rehabilitate many low-vision patients.  Our show helps to bring together people who need vision services with the professionals that provide them.”
    
Cooking Without Looking is hosted by Celia Chacon, Allen Preston and Annette Watkins,  all of whom are blind or visually impaired.  A blind or visually impaired guest chef creates their favorite dish while demonstrating cooking techniques to help visually challenged people have fun and stay safe in the kitchen.  A third segment, Food for Thought, introduces audience members to people who provide services to the visually impaired. 

Now in its second season, Cooking Without Looking airs on WXEL-TV42 PBS in South Florida Wednesday evenings at 7:30p.m. and premieres on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month at noon.

Cooking Without Looking is a production of Vision World Foundation, www.visionworldfoundation.net