International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disease (IFOND)

The International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disease (IFOND) is a voluntary organization that promotes research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of optic nerve disease. It also disseminates information about optic nerve disease to patients, their families, and healthcare providers. Optic nerve disease includes diseases such as ischemic optic neuropathy, which is the most common cause of vision loss in persons over age 50; Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, an inherited disease that occurs most often in young men in their 20s; toxic optic nerve disease, in which nerve damage and blindness may result from certain medications, alcohol, and other substances; and glaucomatous optic nerve disease. Established in 1995, IFOND provides educational materials for patients, families, health professionals and the general public. It also helps patients network with others affected by the same diseases.