Dr. David Finkelstein of Vineyard Haven recently attended a meeting of the Optometric Retina Society in Boston for the society’s fifth annual conference. Among other things, the conference brought together experts in the field of macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease and cataract surgery in patients with diabetes. There was discussion and information about the many new emerging technologies in the field and advances in nutritional therapy as it relates to macular degeneration.

Island emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are ready to welcome new people to the ranks. Tri-Town ambulance (West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah) volunteers are people just like you, who wanted to make a difference. Meet them and learn more at an open house on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Tisbury Station (across from Up-Island Cronig’s). Representives from the down-Island squads also will be on hand to help with questions specific to their towns.

Help With Benefits

Donald Brown, director of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, is now offering regular office hours on the second Wednesday of each month at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, to assist Island residents in applying for benefits. Call 508-862-6600 for information.

CPR Teacher Training

The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter is looking to train CPR and first aid instructors to teach classes on the Vineyard. Instructor training courses will be held at the Chapter House at 286 South street in Hyannis on Dec. 5 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the course is $145.

All are invited to celebrate the opening of the new Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard Clinic, on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. Friends of Family Planning is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and invites everyone to visit and tour the new facility, a condo at 517 State Road Condominiums (5 Village Court Unit 1A) in Vineyard Haven.

This new building provides both clinic and office space and is handicapped accessible.

The American Red Cross, Cape Cod and Islands Chapter is organizing a number of CPR, AED and first aid classes in November for residents of the Vineyard. All classes will be held at the YMCA at Cottager’s Corner, 57 Pequot avenue in Oak Bluffs.

Registration is available online via capecodandislandsredcross.org or by calling toll-free 1-508-775-1540.

An adult CPR/AED class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $50.