A global coalition of patient organisations concerned with vision health, ageing and avoidable blindness has launched an online toolkit to improve understanding of Macular Degeneration (MD) - www.Retina-AMD.org.

Retina International, the coalition leader, state that "although awareness has improved over the last decade, the various stages and complexity of the disease are not well understood. Early, intermediate and late stage MD are conditions with differing signs and symptoms."

Early diagnosis is critical to detect and treat the first signs of MD successfully and to give everyone access to aids and rehabilitation services that can improve quality of life.

Scientific research into MD is leading to better understanding. However it is important that up-to-date information is delivered through a trusted source.