World's leading vision organizations issue urgent call to action

FIG 1. AMD ACTION - Representatives of the world's leading vision, seniors, and research organizations gather around the "Call to Action Pledge Board"

Image of the representatives of the world's leading vision, seniors, and research organizations gathered around the 'Call to Action Pledge Board'

AMD ACTION

Members of AMD Alliance International--senior representatives from the world's leading vision, seniors and research agencies--collaborated in Brussels recently to develop a Global "Call to Action" to address the increasing incidence of AMD. An incredible achievement to have so many strong organizations come together in united voice with a clear, concise statement of need! With the global call to action as an important rallying cry, and statement of our collective belief, we will aggressively continue our battle create awareness of AMD, and to bring hope and help to those with AMD. Here is our shared call to action:

"We call upon governments, medical, professional and consumer groups to recognize the increasing burden of AMD-related blindness and to address the crisis with urgency by promoting and supporting:

  • Education,
  • Prevention,
  • Early detection,
  • Timely access to treatment for all,
  • Rehabilitation and social services, and
  • Research.

The tremendous media interest that boosted our cause when we distributed the global call to action to the media was only a first step! Decisive next steps taken at the meeting included building regional action plans and campaigns.

Whether our dreams include a giant Amsler grid in downtown Hong Kong, a hard-hitting media campaign about quality of life with AMD in Canada, a political lobbying and advocacy outreach campaign in Washington, or regional patient education seminars throughout Australia, we will be working hard to put AMD front and centre with many audiences. We want to reach not only the public at risk of AMD but also recently diagnosed individuals looking for timely information, and governments who ought to be more involved in vision health policies to support people with AMD.

There are a number of ways that you, as an individual, can support our global efforts:

  1. SPEAK OUT ABOUT AMD! Almost anyone you ask would say they have heard of Alzheimer's. But did you know that, according to some experts, AMD is actually four times more likely to strike than Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease combined? To keep AMD in the headlines and in front of decision makers, we need to speak out - to our family, friends, community, and decision makers. Don't hesitate to "BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR AMD!"
  2. JOIN OUR BATTLE IN A LOCAL CAMPAIGN! Contact us info@amdalliance.org and we'll put you in touch with an organization or campaign organizer in your region.
  3. KEEP YOURSELF UP TO DATE ABOUT AMD! Check our website frequently for updates about research, treatments, and rehabilitation www.amdalliance.org Click here to request pamphlets and other educational materials about AMD info@amdalliance.org
  4. BECOME A DONOR! We cannot do it alone. Your generous financial support will enable us to continue our efforts. For information about donating to a local effort, please contact us info@amdalliance.org