Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey

Dr. Nancy Holekamp, Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis, MO discusses geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a leading cause of blindness for which there is currently no treatment. She shares highlights from a recent global Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey (GAINS) of 203 adults with GA that found the condition causes a profound emotional burden and loss of independence.

Dr. Nancy M. Holekamp is Director of Retina Services at the Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis. She was previously Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Holekamp received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College Summa cum Laude. She received her Medical Degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Holekamp completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in ophthalmology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Her fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery was with the Retina Consultants in St. Louis.  Dr. Holekamp is actively involved in clinical research, having been principal investigator or sub-investigator in over 35 national clinical trials dealing with  age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusion, and  diabetic retinopathy. Her efforts in research have resulted in 80 peer-reviewed publications, 22 book chapters, and more than 120 speaking invitations both nationally and internationally. She is a member of the major subspecialty societies, including the Retina Society and the Macula Society. She acts as a reviewer for all the major ophthalmology journals and as a consultant to numerous ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies. After 6 years on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Ethics Committee, she has developed an interest in medical ethics.