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

Background is a black wood grain that's intended to look like a desk. On the left are images of a computer, notepad, pencil and glasses that look like they are sitting on the desk. In the middle is the ANA logo, followed by text as follows: "Focal Point, Focus: Glaucoma, Part 2, Host: Janelle Collins, Guest: Dr. Peter Netland"

Focal Point – Episode 2 – Glaucoma in Aniridia, Part 2

Focal Point is a webinar series presented by Aniridia North America. This is the second episode, with a focus of Glaucoma in Aniridia. Dr. Peter Netland joins Janelle Collins to give an overview of Glaucoma and to answer a multitude of frequently asked questions that were not covered in episode 1.

Black rectangle at top that says "2022 In Review" with ANA Logo. Underneath that, the words "Represent, Serve, Support" are in a light blue rectangle. Under the "Represent" word, there are three things listed with graphics for each; 1) Presented at the 6th European Aniridia Conference 2) Participated in Global Aniridia Day Webinar 3) Attended WAGR Weekend. Under "Serve", these three things are listed: 1)3000 website views, 2) Launched Webinar series, and 3) Created YouTube Channel. Under "Support", 1) Published Patient Overview 2021 ANA symposium, 2) Formed Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, and 3) Created Facebook Page. At the bottom of the page is 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.

ANA Completes First Year as Non-profit Organization

2022 was Aniridia North America’s first calendar year after receiving its 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Recently, the Board of Directors met for their annual in-person meeting to reflect on the accomplishments of the last year, and to develop a strategic plan for 2023.

Background is a black wood grain that's intended to look like a desk. On the left are images of a computer, notepad, pencil and glasses that look like they are sitting on the desk. In the middle is the ANA logo, followed by text as follows: "Focal Point, Focus: Glaucoma, Host: Janelle Collins, Guest: Dr. Peter Netland"

Focal Point – Episode 1 – Glaucoma in Aniridia

Focal Point is a webinar series presented by Aniridia North America. This is the first episode, with a focus of Glaucoma in Aniridia. Dr. Peter Netland joins Janelle Collins to give an overview of Glaucoma and to answer frequently asked questions.

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.

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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