UNIQUE COLLINGWOOD SEMINAR SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS AFTER THE AGE OF 50

How do I know if I’m at risk? What are the warning signs?

Is it preventable? Treatable? How would I cope if I had it?

COLLINGWOOD, Ontario – May 5, 2004 - If you are in your 50s or 60s, you could be among the one in five Canadians at risk of losing your vision as a result of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This figure increases to more than two in five, or 40%, in Canadians over the age of 75.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. In fact, its prevalence in Canada is four times that of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease combined, yet the majority of Canadians know little about it. And with the baby-boom population reaching retirement age, the number of cases of AMD in Canada is expected to triple over the next 25 years.

If left undetected within the first six months of onset, AMD can cause irreversible vision loss. But this doesn’t have to happen. If recognized and diagnosed early, AMD can often be prevented, treated or managed with vision loss aids and support services.

On June 1, 2004, leading medical experts will host a unique free seminar to help people learn more about AMD and encourage them to be proactive in managing their vision health. Topics to be discussed include: disease information; the importance of regular eye exams, risk factors, early symptoms and warning signs, treatment options, and tools and resources to manage AMD.

Where: Gayety Theatre, 161 Hurontario Street, Collingwood When: Tuesday, June 1, 2004 (7pm – 9pm) Who: Dr. Patricia Harvey – Retina Specialist Wanda Hamilton – AMD Alliance International Sue Marsh Woods – Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, CNIB The audience will have the opportunity to interact with the speakers and ask questions. Space is limited – call (705) 444-8645 to reserve a seat

Media are invited to attend. For further information or to confirm your attendance, please contact: Mariane McLeod, (705) 444-8671.