Game-Changing Partnership Tackles Eye Health in Calgary

Local eye health just got a major boost! MacuMira and Keeler announced a new global partnership on October 16, 2025, aimed at expanding Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) therapy. This is big news for Calgary, especially as our city's senior population continues to grow.

Dry AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for older adults, and it affects many Calgarians. Losing central vision can drastically impact independence, making everyday tasks like reading or recognizing faces incredibly challenging and even contributing to depression and anxiety for seniors. Calgary's population aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double to 225,000 in the next 20 years, comprising 15% of the total population by 2042. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for advanced eye care.

This collaboration promises innovative treatments and more advanced options right here in Calgary. This timing is particularly significant given recent changes to Alberta's eye-care coverage. Effective February 1, 2025, some optometry services for seniors saw reduced coverage, including the delisting of partial eye exams for those 65+. This has raised concerns about delayed diagnoses and potential progression of eye disease for vulnerable populations.

With AMD being a condition that cannot be cured but can be managed with early detection and proactive intervention, this partnership offers a vital lifeline. It's a win for accessible healthcare and a beacon of hope for preserving the vision and independence of many Calgarians. Stay tuned for how these cutting-edge initiatives will unfold in our community.