Focus on Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affects central vision and can lead to progressive, permanent vision loss. To increase public knowledge about GA, Prevent Blindness has announced the second Geographic Awareness Week, from December 5 to 11, 2022. A variety of resources are available in English and Spanish, including a fact sheet that can be downloaded and shareable social media graphics, as well as a dedicated webpage on GA. In addition, “Geographic Atrophy and Patient Support,” a new episode in the Prevent Blindness Focus on “Eye Health Expert Series,” is now available. It features Sherry Williams, past president of the Prevent Blindness, Ohio Affiliate, discussing her experience as a health professional and her personal story of helping her mother, who has GA. Another episode on GA is also available, featuring Prevent Blindness CEO Jeff Todd interviewing Dr. Janet S. Sunness, director of the Richard E. Hoover Low Vision Rehabilitation Services at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, who directed a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study of GA. For more information, read the News item announcing Prevent Blindness Declares Second Annual Geographic Awareness Week as December 5-11, 2022.