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Macular Degeneration Xplained

Through storytelling

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Meet Carolyn

Hi, I’m Carolyn! For many years, I used to write and illustrate children’s books, and read to children who lived nearby. That’s until I had trouble with the words on the page and was diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration. It’s really hard to imagine losing my eyesight, but I’m hopeful and I’m getting treatment. I’ve also learned a lot along the way. I hope my story helps you a little too.

We’d love to know what you thought

We’d love to know what you thought

Prior to reading MD Xplained, how would you rate your knowledge about Macular Degeneration?

Not at all knowledgeable
Not very knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
Very knowledgeable
Extremely knowledgeable

How much did you learn from reading MD Xplained?

Learned nothing new
Learned a little bit
Learned a good amount
Learned a lot

After reading MD Xplained, are you more or less confident speaking to your doctor about MD?

I feel less confident
I am no more or less confident
I feel more confident

Which of the following best describes you:

I am a relative or caregiver and interested in learning more about MD
I have not been diagnosed with either dry or wet MD
I have dry MD only, but am not more likely to get my eyes checked for wet MD after reading MD Xplained
I have dry MD only, and am more likely to get my eyes checked for wet MD after reading MD Xplained
I have been diagnosed with wet MD

Thank you for your time!

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Meet the Xperts

There were a lot of medical experts that helped create the MD story and made sure the medical information is spot on. We’ve got a pretty great panel. Take a look.
Photo of Dr. Daniel Miller

Dr. Daniel Miller M.D., Ph.D

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Photo of Dr. Peter Campochiaro

Dr. Peter Campochiaro M.D.

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Photo of Dr. Nancy Holekamp

Dr. Nancy Holekamp M.D.

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Photo of Dr. Carl D. Regillo

Dr. Carl D. Regillo M.D., F.A.C.S.

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Photo of Dr. Nadia Waheed

Dr. Nadia Waheed M.D.

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Photo of Dr. Margaret Chang

Dr. Margaret Chang M.D., M.S.

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Medicine X Story

Working as a medical doctor, I realized that far too many people are confused about their diagnoses, their conditions, and their treatments. The language that doctors use, and what every day people understand can be two totally different things.

We believe everyone should feel informed and empowered, so they can engage with their doctors and be involved in making medical decisions. That’s why Medicine X isn’t just another boring and complicated fact sheet – we explain medical issues through stories based on real people! It’s relatable, simple, and gives you the information you need!

We hope this helps you in your journey!

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Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair
Founder, Medicine X

About MD Xplained

MD Xplained is here to explain what MD is and what you can do about it. If you think you suffer from MD, take a look.

Real People

The MD Xplained story is based on a real person — Carolyn! It reflects her story, her experiences, and her advice to others. There have also been lots of people who contributed along the way with their stories and advice. Thanks to everyone who helped create MD Xplained!

Our Team

The Medicine X team are doctors, artists, and creative writers who all work to make sure of one thing — the information is easy to understand. No more medical jargon!

Experts

Each of the stories we create is different, so there are experts in the field of MD who have reviewed this story to ensure it is spot on in terms of medical information.

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Dr. Daniel Miller M.D., Ph.D

Cincinnati Eye Institute is the largest ophthalmology organization in the region and one of the most reputable practices in the country.. and that’s where Dr. Miller serves as Medical Director. He specializes in macular degeneration among other eye conditions. Dr. Miller has done a lot during his career to research and find out more about eye conditions and how to treat them. He has work published in many international scientific journals and textbooks. Throughout the course of his Ophthalmology career, Dr. Miller has continued research in macular degeneration.

Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Retina Society, and a member of The American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Peter Campochiaro M.D.

Dr. Campochiaro is based in Baltimore and has over 40 years of experience helping people with retina conditions. He’s the Eccles Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Not only that, he’s also a Clinician-Scientist who is aiming to understand how and why blood vessels can become leaky and cause MD, and how you can treat it. He has more than 300 articles published in peer-reviewed medical journals. One of his patients has even said “Dr. Campochiaro is one of the Best Retinal Specialists in the world.” Not bad!

Dr. Nancy Holekamp M.D.

Dr. Holekamp has over 29 years of experience in Ophthalmology. She’s currently a Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis and a member of the Retina Society as well as the Macula Society. For 6 years, she has been involved with the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ethics Committee. Dr. Holekamp has also been heavily involved in research dealing with age-related macular degeneration and has 74 peer-reviewed publications, 21 book chapters, and more than 100 speaking invitations!

Dr. Carl D. Regillo M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Carl D. Regillo is Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University, Chief of the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital and Founder of the Wills Eye Clinical Retina Research Unit in Philadelphia. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and performed his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. He has authored over 200 publications along with over 30 book chapters and 9 major books. He has been an investigator on numerous major clinical trials developing new medical and surgical treatments for retinal disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He is invited to lecture worldwide and serves on the scientific editorial board for several top ophthalmology peer-reviewed journals. As a recognized leader in the field, he is a recipient of the many local, national, and international awards including American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement, Senior Achievement, Secretariat, and Lifetime Achievement Awards and the American Society of Retinal Specialists Honor and Senior Honor Awards. He is also a charter inductee of the Retina Hall of Fame and named in the Ophthalmologist Power List of the top 100 most influential ophthalmologists in the world.

Dr. Nadia Waheed M.D.

Dr Waheed is another very well respected doctor specializing in eye conditions like AMD. She’s the Director of the Boston Image Reading Center and a Consultant at the New England Eye Center, Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

Dr Waheed has authored over 50 papers in peer-reviewed publications. She has co-authored and edited 3 books in Ophthalmology and has contributed to several more.

Dr. Margaret Chang M.D., M.S.

Dr Chang is considered one of the best ophthalmologists in Sacramento, CA. It’s not surprising with her incredible start. Dr Chang began her studies at the University of Washington at the age of 14, and initially finished with a major in piano performance. She moved into medicine and never looked back.

Dr. Chang has received numerous prizes and grants for her research, and is the author of many journal articles and book chapters. Her scientific work has been published in the most respected journals in our field, including Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, and Retina.