Our Activities
In support of its mission, the AMD Alliance International has developed an aggressive international awareness campaign, focused on seniors and their caregivers, encouraging seniors to have their eyes examined; mobilized the medical community, insurance industry, and key governmental decision-makers to recognize and support AMD as a health priority; and supported the efforts of Alliance member organizations in countries throughout the globe - with a wide range of tactics from international research, Web site and hotline development to collateral support, consumer and trade shows/speaker's bureau and educational campaigns.
International Research
One of the AMD Alliance's first initiatives was to determine the current level of consumer awareness of age-related macular degeneration through consumer research in seven Western countries. The results of this international survey are available on the AMD Alliance web site. Local follow-up surveys continue to demonstrate minimal knowledge of AMD.
In 2005, AMD Alliance International published a Global Report that measured awareness of AMD in fourteen countries. The Global Report also provided the latest research and information about risk factors for AMD.
AMD Brochure
An educational brochure was developed in five languages (English, French, Germany, Italian and Spanish) to provide consumers with an overview of AMD, its definition, the importance of early detection, available treatments, risk factors, and information about available rehabilitation options and support services. The brochure is distributed through trade shows, AMD Alliance member organizations and the toll-free AMD Alliance North American Hotline, +1-877-AMD-7171)
Toll-free Hotline and Member Hotline Services
The AMD Alliance has established a toll-free hotline for consumers in the U.S. and Canada to call with questions about AMD, early detection and treatments and rehabilitation and support services. Hotline numbers are also available through our member organizations around the globe. For more information on how to contact the AMD Alliance and its members, go to the Contact Us page of the AMD Alliance Web site.
Trade and Consumer Shows and Conferences
The AMD Alliance is promoting awareness of AMD at a variety of trade and consumer shows around the world. A traveling interactive kiosk offers information about AMD, brochures and educational materials, and the opportunity to talk personally with AMD Alliance members. The AMD Alliance International also helps sponsor key international efforts that actively reach our core audiences and provide them with AMD information.
Speakers Bureau
The AMD Alliance Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Panel provide a wealth of expertise on a range of AMD topics. These experts travel to a variety of international meetings, Congresses and trade shows sharing their knowledge of AMD. Read more about the AMD Alliance Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Panel.
Web Site
www.amdalliance.org offers a variety of information about AMD, early detection and the Amsler grid, treatments and research, rehabilitation and support services, online resources and local member resources in all 21 countries. Also, press materials, logos, graphics, international media contacts are available to media through the AMD Alliance press room.
Educational Campaigns
With the international launch of the AMD Alliance in September of 1999 in Geneva and the unveiling of the AMD Alliance's international survey results, the AMD Alliance has embarked upon an ongoing educational campaign to increase awareness of AMD, the importance of early detection and the availability of rehabilitation and support services. Through media outreach, participation in trade shows, local advocacy, and promotion of the AMD Alliance web site and hotlines, the AMD Alliance aims to increase the awareness of AMD and access to available services.
Country and regional education initiatives conducted by AMD Alliance member organizations reinforce the messages of knowledge, help and hope.
International and National Advocacy Activities
Retina Week for AMD Awareness/AMD Week is the cornerstone of our efforts to communicate the mission of the AMD Alliance on an international, European, and local level. Retina Week for AMD Awareness/AMD Week delivers a global framework under which our members throughout the world can "unite for sight" while focusing on their local initiatives. The campaign generates awareness of retinal degeneration by promoting regular eye examinations (which offer the best chance for early detection). Retina Week for AMD Awareness/AMD Week also provides education about prevention, treatments, rehabilitation, and support services available for AMD and seeks to enlist support for ongoing medical research. AMD week takes place the third full week of September each year, with member organizations from 22 countries participating in various activities. For more information on current Retina Week for AMD Awareness/AMD Week activities, go to the Retina Week for AMD Awareness/AMD Week section of the web site.
In addition to international advocacy programs, the AMD Alliance and its member organizations have campaigned for early detection of AMD, and improved access to treatment, rehabilitation and low vision services.
