Since 1993, ICAN has supported families through family connection, medical support, and resources such as connections to the Division of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.
Since 1993
ICAN is the only national, parent-led nonprofit dedicated to families navigating Microphthalmia and Anophthalmia. These are rare congenital eye conditions that bring immediate medical complexity, lifelong care needs, and profound emotional strain.
Our mission is simple: make sure no family ever faces this diagnosis alone.
We provide clinical education, specialist connections, peer support, and the biennial ICAN Family Conference, which is often the first time parents meet others living their same reality.
Our Mission
Microphthalmia and Anophthalmia are rare congenital conditions where a child is born with unusually small eyes or no eye tissue. They require immediate specialist care and lifelong management. Approximately, 500-1,000 babies in the U.S. are diagnosed each year.