AMD ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL FACT SHEET

What is the AMD Alliance International?

The AMD Alliance International is a global nonprofit coalition of vision and seniors' organizations working to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older populations. We promote regular eye examinations - which offer the best chance for early detection - and provide education about prevention, treatments, rehabilitation, and support services available for AMD. We also seek to enlist support for ongoing medical research into AMD and for healthcare policies that will make treatment and rehabilitation options accessible and affordable for all patients. Comprised of 60 organizations in 22 countries, the AMD Alliance is the only international organization to date that concentrates exclusively on AMD.

The mission of the Alliance is "to bring knowledge, help and hope to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD through:

  • Generating awareness and understanding of AMD;
  • Promoting the importance of education, early detection, knowledge of treatment and rehabilitation options; and
  • Preserving vision and improving the quality of life of individuals affected by AMD."
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Why was the AMD Alliance formed?

The condition of AMD is widespread and awareness is low. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness or severe vision loss for people over the age of 50 in the Western world.

  • Approximately 25 - 30 million are affected worldwide by AMD. The incidence is projected to triple over the next 25 years as the "baby boom" generation ages.
  • AMD cases in the United States exceed cataracts and glaucoma (13 million vs. 12 million and 3 million respectively).

A recent international survey found that:

  • Only 2% of all adults surveyed think AMD is the leading cause of severe sight loss among adults 50 and older; 8 out of 10 are not familiar with AMD. (3% and 7 out of 10 respectively in the U.S.)
  • Only 13% of all adults surveyed think the main purpose of an eye exam/test is to detect eye diseases at an early stage. (17% in the United States)

To address this problem, the AMD Alliance International has launched an aggressive international awareness campaign, focused on seniors and their caregivers, providing information about AMD and encouraging seniors to have their eyes examined. Through awareness research, our international website, local hotlines and information, consumer and trade shows/speaker's bureau, educational campaigns, and advocacy publications the AMD Alliance and its member organizations have sought to mobilize the medical community, insurance industry, and key governmental decision-makers to recognize and support AMD as an important health priority.

For more information all the AMD Alliance Hotline (U.S. and Canada) at 1-877- AMD-7171 (1-877-263-7171).

NOTE TO MEDIA: The AMD Alliance makes every attempt to produce all printed media materials in a 14-point, Arial font to respect the challenges of those with AMD and other visual disabilities.