SARASOTA, FL, - October 10, 2011 - The Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) announces Adam Berger, M.D. as the newest member of the Association’s medical board. Dr.Berger is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the vitreous and retina. He received his medical degree from the State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY. Dr.Berger is a recognized expert in new therapies for retinal and macular Diseases.

Dr. Berger is a retina specialist with the Center for Retina and Macular Disease.  He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists.

 “Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 55 years of age. Unfortunately, too many macular patients are not afforded the opportunity to learn about new advances in the field,” said Larry Hoffheimer, founder and chairman of the Sarasota-based Macular Degeneration Association, “we are excited to welcome Dr. Berger as an integral member of our team, as he will only enhance our efforts to further educate macular degeneration patients all across the world.”

 About the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA)

 
Age-related macular degeneration is an increasingly prevalent degenerative eye disease, affecting millions of aging seniors. The mission of MDA is to educate patients on the latest advances in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the focus extends far beyond diagnosed patients. The MDA is committed to the senior population at large, those most at risk of developing macular degeneration.

The goal of the Macular Degeneration Association is to provide information about risk factors, genetic predisposition, and proper diagnosis, as well as preventative efforts and treatment options that will likely reduce the most adverse effect of AMD, blindness.

The MDA is passionate about funding and developing sophisticated patient education and advocacy programs designed to improve macular patients’ quality of life. This is accomplished through the Association’s patient education conferences and seminars held nationwide.

The Association honors its commitment to prioritizing patient education by aligning itself with experts in the macular field, investigating retina-related scientific breakthroughs, and disseminating new scientific advances to macular patients across the world.

The MDA strongly believes that providing support, education and empowerment to the millions of people living with age-related macular degeneration will improve patient quality of life, and energize the retina field to develop advances in treating AMD. It is their hope that encouraging knowledge and awareness will ultimately lead to a cure.

The money raised by the foundation funds research, information programs, advocacy and awareness efforts that will support the over 9.1 million people with macular degeneration in communities across America. For more information, please visit the website at www.maculardegenerationassociation.org.