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
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.
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.
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.
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.
