About

Aniridia Foundation International is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting those with low vision or blindness due to the genetic eye disease Aniridia. We support and promote scientific research to find a cure for Aniridia syndrome. Our supporters consist of those with Aniridia syndrome, their families, physicians, researchers, and teachers.

While research is important, helping children/adults born and living with this congenital disorder is very important. Aniridia Foundation International’s educational and support programs, such as the biennial AFI “Make a Miracle” conference, which involves medical, scientific and support aspects, has been called “life changing for individuals and families,” and “a one of kind meeting where the researchers, physicians and those affected work the problem together.” These programs allow us to accomplish two of our main goals: assist in providing the information needed to make sound medical decisions about their own health care choices and provide the emotional support that will enable them to have a healthy, independent life.

Through our educational projects, medical meeting exhibitions and fundraisers, AFI seeks to promote awareness among the public and medical community and to dispel misconceptions about people with Aniridia syndrome.

It is our hope that one day through a collaboration of public, philanthropic, and corporate donors, as well as the medical and research communities “team efforts”, Aniridia syndrome and its associated conditions will be a thing of the past. We appreciate your support and involvement and ask that you: Take our Hands. Walk with Us. Share our Dreams. Help Us Make a Miracle!

AFI Caveat: We are providing information to help those affected with Aniridia Syndrome, their families, the medical community and other interested individuals as an educational tool. This is not to be used in place of seeing a doctor or specialist. In our Supporters Only Area, though discussions on specific problems are permissible and expected, remember no posting there shall constitute professional health care or medical advice. AFI is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. We do have a Medical Advisory and Scientific Board consisting of an international faculty of ophthalmologists, physicians, researchers and vision professionals to keep our information correct and timely. Aniridia Foundation International is involved in self-help, while trying to promote research, peer support and education, among other goals contained in its mission statement.

The AFI Medical Registry collects data from people with Aniridia Syndrome to help advance research for better vision- saving treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We need your participation in the AFI Medical Registry to make a significant difference in research and clinical care. For over a decade, the AFI has collected human data and genetics via paper sources for multiple research studies and a clinical trial. Now, we are committed to making it easier for you to enter and update your data and provide helpful tools for you to use and share with your doctors.

Aniridia Foundation International's mission is to unite the Aniridia syndrome community, physicians, and researchers, to work together towards advancing knowledge and sight-saving treatments through research, education, and ultimately a cure. In addition to our research and education programs, the AFI provides crucial support to those with Aniridia syndrome and their families.

AFI was created to unite people with Aniridia syndrome, their families, physicians, and researchers to work together towards these goals.

The Aniridia Foundation International (AFI) carefully invites well-respected physicians and researchers from around the world to join our Medical and Scientific Advisory Council. These physicians and researchers have extensive experience in the clinical care of Aniridia syndrome and the genetics related to it. They assist the AFI in keeping our information current and correct. They dedicate their time and play a big part in our Make a Miracle conferences. We are very appreciative that they have volunteered to be part of our team working to improve the lives of those affected to make a difference for the generations to come. If you are a physician or researcher working on any of the conditions which make up Aniridia syndrome or the PAX6 gene, please contact us.