Eyecare America

During March’s Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month EyeCare America Asks Seniors, “Do you see what I see?”

National Non-profit Raises Awareness about Age-related Macular Degeneration and Provide Free Eye Exams to Seniors

February 26, 2008 – San Francisco, CA –“Do You See What I See?” For seniors who suffer with an eye disease known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) the answer is always, “No.”

Picture this…. a large black hole in the center of your sight that robs you from seeing complete images and eats away at your vision from the inside out. That is what happens for the 10 million Americans who suffer from AMD.  AMD is a devastating eye disease and the leading cause of vision loss in people 65 years or older in the United States.  

In honor of March’s AMD Awareness Month, EyeCare America is launching an awareness campaign for AMD called “Do You See What I See?” The campaign aims to raise awareness about AMD, its risk factors (age, race, family history) and its treatment options. For seniors who have not been diagnosed with AMD, the national organization would like to connect those people with a free eye exam through its AMD EyeCare Program.

People can call the toll-free helpline at 1-866-324-EYES (3937) anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends to see if they qualify for a free eye exam.

This year-round program promotes annual eye exams for people 65 and older, raises awareness of AMD, provides the latest information about treatment options and low vision services, offers free AMD educational materials, and facilitates access to eye care. The eye exams will be provided by more than 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the US.

“There is no cure for AMD, but early detection and treatment may lessen severe vision loss and slow the progression of the disease,” said William Tasman, MD, chair of EyeCare America’s AMD EyeCare Program.

What is AMD?
AMD, also known as macular (MAK-yoo-lar) degeneration, means the central area of the retina known as the macula is loosing function. The retina is made up of layers of nerve cells that sense light and allow you to see.

Someone with macular degeneration might be able to see a clock, but not read the numbers, or when talking to you, not recognize your features. However, AMD usually does not damage the side vision, which is what one uses to get around without bumping into furniture or other objects. 

What causes AMD?

Most people who get macular degeneration are over age 65.  Some people but not all people lose their central vision slowly over many years.  In 10 to 15 % of affected patients, vision loss is sudden if abnormal blood vessels leak fluid or blood under the retina.

The AMD EyeCare Program is designed for people at increased risk for AMD, but who have NOT been diagnosed and who:

People can call the toll-free helpline at 1-866-324-EYES (3937) anytime, for themselves and/or family members and friends to see if they qualify for a free eye exam and care from one of EyeCare America’s 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists nationwide and to request free AMD educational materials.

Callers who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years and who are also at increased risk (age, race, family history) may be eligible to receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and, in most cases, up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. 

Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.

To supplement its award-winning referral program, EyeCare America has recently created a new website specifically designed to assist online users in learning more about eye problems such as AMD. 

The site, eyecareamerica.org, contains up-to-date clinical information about AMD and other eye diseases reviewed by certified ophthalmologists (Eye MD’s) with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy. Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient email forward function and order free brochures that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnosis, causes and risks factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases.

Other easy to use functions include online tools such as a vision simulator, which allows users to see how vision would be affected from common eye diseases, and informative videos, created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, that will provide visitors with a complete interactive experience.

The AMD EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Genentech, Inc., Novartis Ophthalmics and Pfizer Ophthalmics.

About EyeCare America

Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education.  EyeCare America provides eye care services to the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of more than 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities.  More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients.  EyeCare America includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine.  Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 860,000 people.  EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.  More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org

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MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves, Director of EyeCare America Communications – 415.561.8518, aneves@aao.org

NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images and interviews with EyeCare America spokespeople, physicians and patients available upon request