Retina Hong Kong kicks off World's Largest Amsler Grid
PRESS RELEASE - HONG KONG, 17 September 2006 - Retina Hong Kong today unveiled the world's largest Amsler Grid in Hing Wah Estate I, Chai Wan to raise public awareness on prevention, detection and rehabilitation of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The Amsler Grid is the most simple and effective way to detect early visual changes in a variety of AMD.
Regarded as the third major cause of global blindness by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004, AMD is a disease that affects people aged over 50 with estimated 160,000 AMD patients in Hong Kong. With the growing aging population, the number of AMD patients will be simultaneously on the rise, exerting certain pressure on the public healthcare expenditure.
Further to the "Smoking causes AMD and Blindness" campaign in 2005, Retina Hong Kong initiated "Prevention Is A Must for AMD" campaign this year to highlight the importance of early prevention of AMD, featuring the set-up of the world's largest outdoor Amsler Grid in Hing Wah Estate I, Chai Wan. The Giant Amsler Grid, which will last for one-week promotion, marked the dedication of Retina Hong Kong to demonstrate an easy way for AMD self detection to the community, particularly the elderly living alone.
K.P. Tsang, the president of Retina Hong Kong reiterated, "AMD is the third major cause for global blindness, but it is relatively much easier to detect and more avoidable than Glaucoma and Cataract. The consciousness of Hong Kong people towards the AMD disease and prevention is comparatively low and urgent action is needed to combat the rise of AMD."
The kick-off ceremony of the Amsler Grid also featured the presence of Dr. Alvin Kwok, President of The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society who updated the latest development of AMD. "People aged 50 or above should be aware of the AMD disease and develop regular eye screening and self detection using the Amsler Grid."
Speaking on behalf of a key co-organizer, Rotary International District 3450 Governor Mr. Tony Wong commented, "Rotary International District 3450 is glad to participate in this meaningful campaign, which echoes to Rotary's global call 'Lead the Way' - active involvement in sustainable service projects that meet the real needs of the communities, around the major areas of emphasis like water management, literacy, health and hunger, and the family of Rotary."
Retina Hong Kong is set to distribute AMD posters, pamphlets and Amsler Grid to hundreds of local optical shops in early October, with the concerted efforts of The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Moreover, the group urged the government to work with the community and advocated the officials to regard AMD as public health issue with the following suggestions: (1) Establish a permanent world's largest Amsler Grid in Victoria Park; (2) Implement the "One Household One Grid" campaign throughout the territory to encourage regular self detection of AMD; (3) Urge the Government and the Hospital Authority to work out solutions in response to the demands of AMD patients who are unable to afford the treatment expenses and result in avoidable blindness.
Retina Hong Kong will also launch a series of AMD awareness activities during the period of September and November including AMD prevention talks by local ophthalmologists and optometrists; free eye screening service for the elderly; and AMD pamphlets distribution in community centres and hostels of the elderly.
The "Prevention Is A Must for AMD" campaign is organized by Retina Hong Kong in collaboration with Rotary International District 3450, The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, DAB Chao Shing Kie councilor office, Hing Wah Estate I management committee, together with sponsorship support from AMD Alliance International, NOVARTIS and Hong Kong Bausch & Lomb HK Ltd.
FIG 1. Retina Hong Kong unveilling the world's largest Amsler Grid in Hing Wah Estate I, Chai Wan.
About Amsler Grid
FIG. 2 Small Amsler Grid with wavy, distorted lines.
The Amsler Grid is an effective way to detect early visual changes in a variety of AMD. Users with reading lenses should wear them during the test. Users should cover one eye at a time, and focus on the center dot; if find wavy lines and missing areas of the grid is found, users should consult doctors at once.
About Retina Hong Kong
Established in March 1995, Retina Hong Kong is a patient self-help organization dedicated to advocating for proper treatment via scientific research as well as suitable rehabilitation to encourage mutual help and contribution to society among patients.
About Rotary
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The Rotary International District 3450 covering Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia features 56 Rotary clubs and more than 1,700 Rotarians.
About The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society
The Society was established in 1954 with the objectives to maintain and upgrade the quality of eye care in Hong Kong, and to foster brotherhood among eye care professionals serving the public in Hong Kong.
About The School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a 4 year degree programme in Optometry. This Optometry programme and its associated research and clinical facilities are generally regarded as the best in Asia. Upon completion, optometry graduates are competent to provide comprehensive vision and eye examinations and manage a whole range of vision problems.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Mickey Hung
Madison Communications Ltd.
Tel: 2881 8736 / 9287 5541
mickey@madisonmission.com
Toby Chan
Retina Hong Kong
Tel: 2708 9363
kmchan@retina.org.hk
FIG 3. Close-up of the world's largest Amsler Grid in Hing Wah Estate I, Chai Wan in Hong Kong.
