Sharon's speech at AMD launch

By Sharon Siddique

Low Vision Rehab in Patients with AMD

AMD Awareness Week Opening Ceremony

Aug 18, 2010 (Sat) at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Guest of Honour, Dr Lam Pin Min

Chairman, AMD Awareness Week, Dr Ajeet Wagle

Doctors, ladies and gentlemen,

AMD Awareness Week is for us who have been diagnosed with AMD, or for those who will be so diagnosed in future. And our numbers are swelling. This morning I would like to briefly describe how the MDS society complements the efforts of ophthalmologists and optometrists in providing low vision rehabilitation.

MDS Singapore was formed by patients, for patients. We have a core membership of around 80. What do we do?

• We arrange presentations on the latest medical breakthroughs and treatments of MD to keep our members updated. Part of rehabilitation is cultivating awareness.

• We recognise that maintaining good general health is vital to stabilizing our MD. We organise presentations on “eating for healthy eyes”, and the relevance of vitamins and supplements. Being proactive in avoiding falls is vital. As is the whole area of the pros and cons of types of exercise.

• We also maintain a website and a blog, where we regularly post interesting articles on MD.

• Although our members come from all walks of life, our common denominator is coping with MD. And we have found that it is very comforting to know that you are not alone, and that your questions, doubts, fears, are echoed by many fellow travelers. This has set many new sufferers on the positive path to rehabilitation.

• Information is important. But so is fellowship. On 6 November we will be organising an afternoon at the HortPark in Alexandra Park, where we will have lunch, chat, and discuss the reasons why sunshades are particularly important for us. We welcome all of you to join us, and I have membership forms available.

Low vision rehabilitation is a constant process. AMD is a degenerative condition. A condition we are reminded of literally every waking moment as we strive to see past our blind spots. Learning to live life to the maximum with MD is a constant quest.

Finally let me again thank the ophthalmological community for organizing this AMD Awareness Week. For such wonderful support from busy doctors and health care providers we are truly grateful.