Macular degeneration is an eye disease affects central vision, attacking the macula.  Wet macular degeneration is the more severe form of the eye disease, causing rapid loss of vision in those affected with the disease.

A new program by The Foundation of the Amcerican Academy of Ophthalmology has identified 22 doctors in the Tamp Bay, Florida area willing to give free eye exams and test for macular degeneration in eligible seniors.

To qualify for the free macular degeneration eye exams, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident that is 65 years of age or older.  You must have had no previous macular degeneration diagnosis and not qualify under HMO or Veteran’s Administration services.

To find out if you or a loved one qualifies for these free macular degeneration eye exams call 1-866-324-3937.

Appointments are not needed.

August is Cataract Awareness Month. It is estimated that 20.5 million Americans older than 40 have a cataract in either eye. That number is expected to rise to 30.1 million by the year 2020.

Age-related macular degeneration affects more than 1.75 million people in the United States. Due to the rapid aging of the U.S. population, this number is expected to increase to almost 3 million by the year 2020.

Anyone with questions on the screening is asked to call (765) 939-2020 or visit http://www.makriseyemd.com/home.htm.

“Ver es Poder” – Seeing is Empowering – is the theme for a Latino Glaucoma Awareness Day and Screening to be held Saturday, May 10, 9 am to 5 pm at the Delhi Center, 505 East Central Avenue, Santa Ana, presented by the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) announced GRF President and CEO Thomas M. Brunner today at the formation meeting of the initiative’s Leadership Group. Jose Molina, Spanish-language broadcasting pioneer in the Southwestern states and chair of the Leadership Group, convened the formation meeting at the Irvine headquarters of the project sponsor, Allergan.

“The community partnership that makes this pilot project possible is comprehensive and inspiring,” reported Brunner, “especially with the ongoing support from Allergan, the leadership of Members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, the expert guidance of Rohit Varma, MD and his colleagues in the definitive Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES) from USC’s Doheny Eye Institute, the City of Santa Ana and Mayor Miguel Pulido, the Delhi Center, and of course the many members of our Leadership Council.”

“We are all committed to raising our communities’ awareness of this silent thief of sight, and to providing a variety of ways for our families, friends and neighbors at risk for glaucoma to protect their vision,” Molina said. The centerpiece of the formation meeting was a summary presentation by Dr. Varma on the LALES findings: that Latinos are among the highest groups at risk for glaucoma, and that as many as 75% of those with glaucoma are unaware of their condition.

A disease that in many cases has no symptoms at its onset, glaucoma can bring irreparable damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness. However, vision can be preserved with early detection and treatment. Also participating with Dr. Varma was his associate on the study, Carlos Lastra Gonzalez, MD, and the Project Manager, Mina Torres.

The plan for the Awareness and Screening Day itself is to offer free screenings for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy from 9 am to 5 pm. Spanish-speaking physicians will be available to talk about any potential findings in the screenings, and information booths will be set up and staffed, ready with referrals on health access and resources. Everyone, from youngsters to seniors, is urged to attend.

The Day begins with a Kick-Off led by Mayor Pulido, members of the Latino Caucus, and members of the Leadership Council — including the famed “voice” of Ver es Poder, Fernando Escandon, who will also be passing out free copies of his CD reading the poem El Brindis del Bohemios. “At noon,” beamed Molina, “we are delighted we can showcase the wonderful new singing talent, 14-year old Jessica Flores. Everyone in the family will be captivated by her performance!”

Members of the Leadership Council, in formation, include: Senator Gil Cedillo, Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus; Senator Lou Correa; Robert Drabkin, noted philanthropist committed to advancing vision research; Fernando Escandon; legendary radio producer and advertising pioneer Teddy Fregoso; Scott Garmon of The Scott Garmon Company; Assemblyman Jose Solorio; Sergio Velazquez, Publisher of Miniondas and Ferandula, and additional representatives of the Latino Eye Study, Allergan, Santa Ana and the Delhi Center.

Source: Glaucoma Research Foundation (2008-03-21)
http://www.glaucoma.org

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.

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

- Are age 65 and older;
- Are US citizens or legal residents;
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years;
- Do not belong to an HMO or the VA;

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.

(Source: EyeCare America)