People aged 50 and over in Westmeath are encouraged to participate in this year’s Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD ) Awareness campaign by availing of a free AMD test in late September.
Now in its 10th year, AMD Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of the condition and encourage the public get their eyes tested for AMD regularly.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD ) is the leading cause of sight loss in Ireland – almost 100,000 people throughout the country have AMD1, with 7,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the over 50 population. The symptoms of AMD often go unrecognised so it is crucial that the public, especially those aged 50 and older, get their eyes tested regularly. AMD affects the macula at the back of the eye, which is responsible for central vision and allows you to see detail.
AMD Awareness Week is supported by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI ), Fighting Blindness, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO ), and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI ), together with Novartis.
Those who wish to avail of a free AMD test in Westmeath can visit one of the participating optometrist stores in Westmeath until September 30. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Participating stores include: Elliott Opticians, Irishtown, Athlone; Cooney’s Opticians, 13 Castlemaine Street, Athlone; Eilis McManus Opticians, Moate; Smith & O’Mahony Opticians, Moate.
