Patient Liason for Schepens Eye Research Institute 

Rich Godfrey is the patient liaison at Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston. He is involved primarily in public speaking, patient information, and education, and event planning. As a legally blind, macular degeneration patient, he understands the importance of having access to information about eye disease, the very latest in research, treatment options and ultimately, the possibility to find cures.

Mr. Godfrey was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 1985 at age 37 and declared legally blind three years later. At the time, Mr. Godfrey was a sales manager for a hospital computer systems company and he was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Godfrey was at a loss for information not knowing where to turn or what questions to ask. Having experienced that, he joined the Institute in 1988 as a volunteer to devote his time to help other patients when they need it most.

Godfrey believes it is extremely important for patients and their families to know that research centers like the Institute exist and that the diseases afflicting them or their loved ones are being researched. And, that there is hope. Godfrey helps patients and their families understand the impact of vision loss, the importance of low vision aids/rehabilitation and coping skills needed to maintain quality of life.

Rich Godfrey can help you by providing information on eye disease, related research, low vision resources or physician referrals, at (617) 912-2569 or by email richard.godfrey@schepens.harvard.edu.

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