Welcome | Eyesight Foundation of Alabama

Mission
The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama is a nonprofit foundation whose mission is to serve as a catalyst to improve eyesight through education, research and access to care.

Vision
Making a difference in the eyes of the world.

What we do:
We award grants to non-profits conducting vision research, education or patient care. We do not work directly with the consumer public – we don’t see patients, we aren’t doctors or researchers or educators – but on our Resource Directory we list many organizations that do provide those services.

AMD: Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

May 9, 2012

An estimated 2.07 million Americans age 50 and older have age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
An estimated 6.5% of Americans age 40 and older have AMD.
An estimated 1.75 million Americans age 40 and older have advanced AMD.
Another 7.3 million are at substantial risk for vision loss from AMD.
Every year, 200,000 Americans develop advanced AMD.

From The Silver Book: Vision Loss Volume II

Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

May 9, 2012

From 2005-2008, around 4.2 million diabetics age 40 and older had diabetic retinopathy. Of these, 655,000 had advanced diabetic retinopathy that could lead to severe vision loss.
Between 40% and 45% of all diabetics have some stage of diabetic retinopathy.
Up to 80% of diabetics who have had the disease for 10 years or more are affected by diabetic retinopathy.

From The Silver Book: Vision Loss Volume II

The Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

May 9, 2012

More than 38 million Americans age 40 and older are estimated to experience blindness, low vision, or an eye-related disease.
An estimated 2.6 million Americans over the age of 40 are visually impaired.
An estimated 1 million Americans over the age of 40 are legally blind.

From The Silver Book: Vision Loss Volume II published by the Alliance for Aging Research and the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research

May 9, 2012

The Aliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) in a partnership with the Alliance for Aging Research has published The Silver Book: Vision Loss Volume II. This important reference document on eye disease incidence and the research being conducted to save and restore vision is distributed to all Congressional offices, federal and state policymakers, and key allies to educate about the value of federally funded vision research.

May 1, 2012

Probably the most important step you can take to preserve your vision is to routinely get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) typically have no symptoms, and the dilated exam is the only means of detecting them before it’s too late. Early detection is key to treating eye disease effectively and preventing blindness.

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AMD: Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

The Prevalence and Incidence of Vision Loss

The Value of Federally Funded Research

May is Healthy Vision Month!