The ANA Mission

Represent, serve, and support the North American community of persons affected by aniridia and their families, patient advocacy organizations, and clinicians and scientists

ANIRIDIA North America

REPRESENT

SERVE

SUPPORT

ANA Vision

To assist North American aniridia-related patient advocacy organizations, coordinate with international organizations, strengthen and expand research, promote dissemination of information, and support clinical providers to improve outcomes for individuals with aniridia.

ANA Values

Fair representation for all aniridia-related stakeholders in North America, with meaningful, transparent, inclusive engagement.

Latest ANA News

Infographic with title: 2023 In Review and ANA logo Under the "Represent" column are graphics for the following: Formed Patient and Family Advisory Board, Hosted Scientific Symposium, Initiated Professional Outreach Under the "Serve" column, there are graphics for the following: Expanded webinar series, 120 questions, 15 countries, More than 5500 website visits, Launched Research survey Under the "Support" column, there are graphics for the following: Joined Global Genes rare disease organization, Published scientific Overview of the 2021 ANA Symposium, Formalized Collaborative relationships with vision for tomorrow and International WAGR Syndrome Association

2023 In Review & 2024 Strategic Plan

Thank you to all who supported and donated to ANA in 2023. Thanks to your support, great things were achieved! The ANA Board of Directors is looking forward to another great year in 2024.

The infographics below provide a snapshot of the accomplishments in 2023 and highlight some goals set for 2024.

What is Aniridia?

Aniridia is a rare genetic condition generally characterized by either the complete or partial absence of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye.

The word “aniridia” means “without iris”. The lack of iris is often the first and most noticeable feature of aniridia.

Aniridia can lead to complications with the eye including but not limited to:

  • glaucoma
  • cataracts
  • corneal keratopathy
  • strabismus
  • nystagmus
  • foveal hypoplasia

Aniridia and related complications present differently in each individual.

Recent research indicates that non-ocular conditions can also occur with aniridia. Some of these conditions include:

  • central auditory processing disorder
  • sleep disturbances
  • brain abnormalities
  • issues with the pancreas

Research is ongoing to better identify and understand these and other associated conditions.

Five hands, of varying shades and ages, are joined together.  Inside those hands it says "Join ANA" and shows the ANA logo.

Join ANA

Membership in ANA is free and open to anyone interested in aniridia. Whether you are a patient, family member, educator, clinician, scientist, or a patient advocacy organization, you are welcome here.

Sign up to receive updates and information from ANA. We know that alone we are rare, but together, we are strong.

North American Partner Organizations

ANA aims to augment the efforts of, facilitate interaction between, and provide support for groups and organizations focused on aniridia-related problems, with an inclusive approach and meaningful engagement. This includes coordinating and synergizing the efforts of these groups with similar international organizations.

Logo for the Vision for Tomorrow Foundation. It is a stylized blue eye with the name of the foundation underneath.
Global Genes Logo - Allies in rare Disease
Logo - Outline of an eye, with ANA in the middle and Aniridia North America underneath

Aniridia North America
106 W. Calendar Ave
Suite 122
LaGrange, IL 60525

Aniridia North America is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States.

EIN: 86-2917141

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