NEW YORK—This year, February is AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month. According to Prevent Blindness, AMD, affects an estimated 1.8 million Americans aged 40 years and older, with an additional 7.3 million with large drusen at substantial risk of developing it. Although most of us in the community know the stats and risks associated with AMD, many members of the public might not know just how common AMD actually is. This month, independents took to social media to share information about AMD and Low Vision Awareness month, including basic information about the disease, resources to help, and more.


Visualeyes Optometry, in Sherman Oaks, California, shared a slideshow on Instagram that featured the basic information about both AMD and Low Vision, reminding their patients about the importance of an annual eye exam. Image via Visualeyes Optometry on Instagram. 



Dr. Ana Juricic, a low vision optometrist who practices in Ontario, Canada, shared a vlog created by one of her patients. The vlog, available on YouTube, shares exactly what happens at a low vision exam. Image via Dr. Ana Juricic on Instagram.  



Robinson Optometrists, in Whitley Bay, England, posted about why OCT exams can help optometrists get a better idea of a patient’s overall eye health. Image via Robinson Optometrists on Instagram.



Vision Makers, with two locations in Ohio, shared a fun and helpful chart from the NEI that explains low vision’s causes, statistics and possible treatments. Image via Vision Makers on Instagram.



Karen Allen, OD, of Premier Vision Dallas shared some low vision statistics from Think About Your Eyes. Image via Premier Vision Dallas on Instagram. 



The team at Somerset Eye Care in North Brunswick, New Jersey used Instagram to share some information about AMD, what it means, and who it affects. Image via Somerset Eye Care on Instagram. 
 
With Leap Day adding an extra 24 hours onto February—and AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month—this year, there’s still plenty of time to spread the word about AMD and Low Vision. Prevent Blindness has free resources for practices, and has also teamed up with Bausch + Lomb for the fifth year in a row for the SightMatters program to raise awareness. As part of the program, Bausch + Lomb will donate $1 to Prevent Blindness and its sight-saving fund for every “share” or “like” of certain posts that promote this donation from the Bausch + Lomb SightMatters Facebook page. Finally, head over to the Bausch + Lomb and Prevent Blindness social media pages for posts that you can share with your own patients and community, too.