From November 10-13, 2007 the ANIRIDIA FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL (AFI) exhibited at the 111th annual Academy Of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting. The event was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year AFI had a great corner booth in a prime location amongst the pharmaceutical giants and medical companies. First ones to be seen walking through the Hall I doors and we used that to our advantage.

Having an exhibit at such an event is very important because it helps AFI to accomplish some of the core goals of the organization: education and awareness of Aniridia and its associated conditions, especially in the medical community. It also helps those with aniridia and their families find out from their doctors about help, education and support available to them through Aniridia Foundation International. It is estimated that over 10,000 ophthalmologists and medical professionals attended the meeting and that is an opportunity for exposure that AFI can not miss!

During the exhibit, AFI distributed brochures and informational packets to many ophthalmologists and vision care professionals from all over the world. We also had mini Tabasco bottles which were donated to us for giveaways and word spread to head to our booth for some. After all, what would Cajun cuisine be without Tabasco sauce? This was also an excellent chance to meet doctors in person, speak to them about Aniridia and answer their questions with a live dialogue. Many doctors stated their approval and well wishes for the success of AFI as they felt it was something needed and "long overdue". Some even remarked it was refreshing to discuss what Aniridia is like from the perspective of a person affected by the condition and how it showed them that our cause is truly important. Many ophthalmologists and medical care attendees asked to receive our physician newsletter "Aniridia Insight" and were introduced to the special area just for the physicians and researchers on our website.

The volunteers who worked long hours, also got a chance to get to know each other a little better after the exhibit hall closed in the evenings. Terry felt that "Taking part in this type of event is a blessing in many respects. It is impossible to find the words to describe the impact that something like this can have on a person."

There are many events or projects that need volunteers to help us. Please consider joining one of our committees and find out other ways in which EVERY member of the Aniridia Foundation International can help to spread the word about Aniridia and the related conditions. >/p>