Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/15/2011 -- The Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) is proud to announce Dr. Dana Deupree as the program chair at the educational symposium in Clearwater, Florida. The event is designed to give an overview of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including the progression of the disease and precautionary methods that may delay the onset of AMD and reduce retinal damage. The symposium will be held November 19, 2011 at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 North McMullen Booth Road.
Dr. Deupree is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the vitreous and retina. He received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean in 1983. Dr. Deupree received a grant from the National Eye Institute and researched diabetic eye disease while serving as a Harvard Research Fellow. His sub-specialties include medical and surgical management of macular disorders, diabetic retinopathy, complex retinal detachments, and trauma. His current research interest is Rheopheresis treatment for macular degeneration. Currently, he is the principal researcher in a phase three FDA clinical trial. He runs a solo practice, The Macula Center in Palm Harbor, Fl. This center is exclusively devoted to treating the retina and macula. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons.
“Dr. Deupree is a seasoned veteran in the field and has a compelling level of experience in treating AMD,” said MDA Chairman Larry Hoffheimer, “It’s a pleasure to have him as our program chair and a member of our medical board.”
Exhibitors and featured event speakers will offer participants opportunities to learn about the latest innovations in macular degeneration research, precautionary methods, medications, treatments, and low vision therapies. There will be a free screening to determine risk factors for macular degeneration. Genetic testing will be available if risk factors are present and may be covered by your insurance company including Medicare.
MDA’s educational symposium in Clearwater will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to interact with nationally known macular experts, local doctors, fellow patients and caregivers in an open forum.
To register for the upcoming symposium please call Lynne Henry at (941) 870-4399 or by email info@maculardegenerationassociation.org. The registration fee is $10.00 per person. For information on upcoming MDA educational events, including future genetic testing opportunities, visit the MDA website at: http://www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
About The Macular Degeneration Association (MDA)
The Macular Degeneration Association is a nonprofit health organization dedicated to educating and empowering age-related macular degeneration patients all across the world. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 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 AMD. However, our focus extends far beyond diagnosed patients. We are committed to the senior population at large, those most at risk of developing macular degeneration.
Our goal 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. 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. We strongly believe 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 our hope that encouraging knowledge and awareness will ultimately lead to a cure.