gms | German Medical Science

The AMD Alliance International was founded in 1999 as the only international organisation that focuses exclusively on Age-related Macular Degeneration. Its main aim is to raise awareness of AMD, as well as improving prevention, early detection and access to treatment, rehabilitation and low vision services. To maximize its international reach, the Alliance currently represents major vision and seniors organisations based in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

The AMD Alliance International provides funding to support member activities during AMD Week including press activities and the production and dissemination of information. It also carries out its own research with an awareness survey carried out every two years to track developments in the awareness of AMD amongst the general population. In 2003 the survey focused on early detection and low vision rehabilitation. The survey reports were used to produce a Global Campaign report as well as country specific reports and provided a useful tool to support our members' campaigning activities. The Scientific Advisory Panel proposed definitions for AMD to ensure the comparability of future research and help provide accurate figures on topics such as prevalence of AMD.

Priorities for the future include another awareness survey in 2005, this time focusing on the issue of risk factors. It will provide speakers on AMD for the Vision 2005 conference in London as well as continuing with its general support activities for its members. AMD will become a growing health issue as the population ages and an increasing number of people will require treatment and/or low vision rehabilitation. The AMD Alliance International aims to co-operate with all main players dealing with AMD in individual countries. Whilst more research is required into all aspects of AMD, it is essential to raise awareness of the condition in the general population as well as the medical profession. Only a broad coalition of partners can achieve this aim.