Just over one-in-10 of people tested for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) during the recent AMD Awareness Week (17-25 September) were referred to an eye doctor for further examination.

AMD is the most common cause of registered blindness in Ireland.
 
There was a 55% increase in the number of people that availed of the free testing on offer during AMD Awareness Week this year compared to last year. 

AMD Awareness Week is held to increase public awareness on how to spot the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis.

The campaign is supported by National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), Fighting Blindness, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), in association with Novartis.