Macular Degeneration Research

Macular Chats: Ask a Question

Do you have a question for this month’s expert Chat speaker? If so, you can submit your question below. Some of the most frequently asked questions will be answered during the Chat. Questions that are not answered will be saved for future Chats.

TITLE
Fire Safety for People with Low Vision

DATE
Wednesday, October 28, 2026

TIME
1 pm EST (please adjust for your time zone)

SPEAKER(S)
Lieutenant Thomas Medeiros NRAEMT

Living with vision loss can present unique safety challenges, especially when it comes to preventing and responding to emergencies. Hear from retired firefighter and EMT Lt. Thomas Medeiros, who was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration in 2021 and is legally blind, as he shares practical fire safety strategies tailored for people with low vision. He will cover home fire prevention, cooking safety, smoke alarms and emergency preparedness, and creating an effective escape plan to help you and your loved ones stay safe.