NBC's ER Applauded for Highlighting AMD; Timing Coincides with Advocates' Campaign to Expand Coverage for Sight-Stealing Disease

11/5/2003

From: Betsy van Die of Prevent Blindness America, 888-331-2020, ext. 322

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 -- Prevent Blindness America (PBA) applauds the NBC Drama "ER" for its sensitive portrayal of a patient with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The series, featuring special guest Bob Newhart as an aging architect, despondent over his battle with sight-stealing AMD, plays a vital role in educating millions of viewers about AMD, a disease that is the leading cause of blindness for seniors age 55 and older.

The timing for the episodes is especially relevant, according to PBA. Currently, PBA along with national seniors, blindness, disability, minority and consumer organization are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the Health and Human Services Administration to expand Medicare coverage of a proven AMD therapy.

While the patient depicted on ER has dry AMD, a type that currently does not have a known therapy, experts agree that there is an effective treatment available for patients suffering from wet or occult AMD. One treatment, ocular photodynamic therapy (OPT) with verteporfin, has been shown to retard vision loss, saving the sight of thousands of Americans each year.

According to PBA's Senior Vice President Daniel Garrett, "Five million people over the age of 65 are severely visually impaired, and that number is expected to double or even triple with the rise of the baby boom generation. The current national non-coverage policy puts OPT with Verteporfin out of reach for many of our seniors, forcing them to make a choice to either begin depleting their life savings or risk going blind, a result that would cost everyone more now and in the long run."

Garrett added, " ER's storyline demonstrates the devastating effect losing one's sight can have - and does have - for many seniors. HHS has a chance to change their policy, and to help hundreds of thousands of people avoid the pain of vision loss."

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening training, community and patient service programs, national and state and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020 or visit us on the web at www.preventblindness.org.

EDITORS NOTE: For more information on PBA's efforts, or to send a letter to HHS, visit http://www.preventblindness.org or call 1-800-331-2020.