On The Net
This site contains information on AMD for your patients.

Macular Degeneration Partnership

This educational Web site is sponsored by the Macular Degeneration Partnership (MDP), a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide clear, current and comprehensive information about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to the public. The MDP is comprised of AMD patients, their families, researchers, physicians and several industry partners.

The amd.org site provides comprehensive, easily accessible information on the types of AMD and how they affect vision, a list of controllable and uncontrollable risk factors, descriptions of approved and experimental treatments, and links to current clinical trials. The site also has a section that answers frequently asked questions about AMD.

In addition, the organization's monthly online newsletter provides current news items related to AMD, in-depth articles explaining important aspects of AMD and its treatment, and stories describing how those afflicted with AMD are coping with the challenges of everyday life. The longer articles are informative and well written.

Patients can also use an interactive feature of the site to receive guidance on the appropriate use of ocular vitamins.

One mild criticism: When Ophthalmology Management checked the amd.org Web site in early May, there was no mention of the recent decision not to approve Visudyne for national coverage under Medicare for the treatment of occult AMD. That's important news to patients and should be available on the site.

Despite that omission, the MDP site serves its purpose as a valuable resource for AMD patients and their families.

Visit www.amd.org

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com  or call him at (215) 643-8013.