Prevent Blindness declares first annual Geographic Atrophy Awareness Week

From December 6-12, 2021, Prevent Blindness will be holding the first annual Geographic Atrophy Awareness Week. Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), leading to central vision loss. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 million people are affected by GA.

To raise awareness for the disease, Prevent Blindness has curated a webpage dedicated to educational resources. A downloadable fact sheet and shareable social media graphics are intended to be circulated to increase awareness, which Prevent Blindness will share on social media throughout the week. Resource development was sponsored by Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

“As the number of AMD cases in the United States continues to grow, so do the numbers of those at risk for geographic atrophy,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We encourage AMD patients and their caregivers to educate themselves on ways to help avoid vision loss from GA and talk to their eyecare professionals today to save vision for the future.”

Those affected by GA are welcome to participate in the MOSIAC study, which is enrolling now. The investigators intend to understand how GA and advanced dry AMD impact daily life for those affected by it and for their caregivers. Anyone living with GA, aged 60 or older, and their non-paid caregiver residing in the US, UK, Australia, Germany, and France are eligible. Email Contact@global-patients.com for more information.

Since its founding in 1908, Prevent Blindness has been the nation’s leading volunteer-based eye health and safety organization dedicated to saving sight and fighting blindness. Through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research, the organization has touched the lives of millions of people every year.

Visit the Prevent Blindness website to learn more about Geographic Atrophy and download the fact sheet.

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