Have a patient with an inherited retinal disease or AMD?
Whether you suspect an inherited retinal disease (IRD) or are managing a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the Foundation Fighting Blindness can help you take the next step. Use these resources to evaluate and refer, connect patients with genetic testing and research, and support the whole patient.
Here's what you'll find on this page:
- Patient Care Checklist – Six steps to guide your patient's path forward after a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis.
- Recognize, Diagnose and Refer – Signs to watch for, disease information, and how to find a retinal specialist.
- Genetic Testing and Research – No-cost genetic testing for IRDs, the My Retina Tracker Registry, and clinical trials.
- Comprehensive Patient Support – Low vision, mental health and community resources for your patients and their families.
- Professional Education and Engagement – Webinars, the ECP newsletter and Foundation Forums.
- Questions – Contact our Professional Outreach team.
Patient Care Checklist
Help your patient create a path forward
Use this checklist after a diagnosis or when you suspect an IRD or AMD.
- Recognize the signs. Night blindness, loss of peripheral or central vision, light sensitivity, or a family history of vision loss can point to an IRD. Drusen, distortion or central vision changes in adults over 50 can point to AMD.
- Refer your patient to a retinal specialist for diagnosis and ongoing care.
- Offer no-cost genetic testing and genetic counseling (for IRDs only).
- Recommend the My Retina Tracker Registry so your patient can learn about research and clinical trials they may qualify for. Explore My Retina Tracker Registry.
- Inform your patient about clinical trials underway for emerging therapies.
- Connect your patient with low vision services, mental health support and a local Foundation Chapter.
Get Started with the Quick Links Below
-
Retinal Specialists
Find a Specialist -
Genetic Testing for IRDs
Get Started -
Clinical Trials
See Trial Pipeline
Recognize, Diagnose and Refer
Early recognition and referral help patients get an accurate diagnosis and access to the right care and research.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Dry and wet AMD, stages, risk factors and approved treatments.
- Geographic Atrophy – The advanced form of dry AMD and its approved treatments.
- Inherited Retinal Diseases – Retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, LCA and more.
- Vision Loss Glossary – Plain-language definitions to share with patients.
- Find a Retinal Specialist – Search our directory of retinal specialists by location.
Genetic Testing and Research
A genetic diagnosis and research participation can open the door to clinical trials and emerging treatments.
- No-Cost Genetic Testing and Counseling – Testing and genetic counseling at no cost to your patient with an IRD.
- My Retina Tracker Registry – A research registry for people with IRDs and AMD that helps connect patients with studies and clinical trials.
- Clinical Trial Pipeline – See the treatments in development for retinal diseases.
- Clinical Trials – How clinical trials work and how patients can learn about participating.
- Foundation-Funded Research – The projects the Foundation is funding today.
Comprehensive Patient Support
Vision loss affects independence, emotional health, work, school and family life. These resources help you support the whole patient.
- Information for the Newly Diagnosed – A starting point for patients and their loved ones.
- Low Vision Resources – Low vision rehabilitation, assistive technology and daily living support.
- Mental Health Resource Center – Stories, articles and a directory of licensed therapists who understand vision loss.
- Foundation Chapters – Local community, education and peer support.
- Patient Resources – Educational materials you can share with patients.
Professional Education and Engagement
Stay current on retinal disease research and connect with the Foundation.
- Professional Webinars – On-demand webinars on IRD and AMD research and care.
- Glimpse with Glaze – Follow the Foundation on LinkedIn and X for short videos, audio clips and quotes from leading eye care professionals and researchers on clinical research, emerging therapies and Foundation resources.
- ECP Newsletter – Monthly updates for eye care professionals. Email PO@FightingBlindness.org to be added to the distribution list.
- Foundation Forums – Local forums that bring eye care professionals, researchers and patients together.
Contact Professional Outreach
Have a question or need help finding the right resource for your patient? Our Professional Outreach team is here to help.
Foundation Staff Contact
Michelle Glaze
Director, Professional Outreach
+1 (251) 654-9758
MGlaze[at]FightingBlindness.org
