Tema-Ghana, March 15, GNA – The 2023 commemoration of World Glaucoma Week begun on March 12 to serve as a unique platform to focus on glaucoma as the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide.
Dr Neeru Gupta, the President of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA), in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tema to ignite global activism, explained that prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma could prevent needless vision impairment.
She noted that, regrettably, many people were unaware they had the disease and seek the much-needed care.
“As the numbers are expected to increase exponentially, it is a growing public health concern that needs more attention and effective eye health systems,” she said.
“The active coming together of the international community with colleagues and key stakeholders through events to stimulate awareness, and dialogue is a show of our shared commitment to improving glaucoma care for patients around the world.”
Dr Gupta said to be effective, community awareness projects must be relevant for the general population.
“That means they need to be based locally and, thus, rely on individuals in each location to be actively involved, adopting the unifying global message into local culture.”
“Fortunately, for many patients treatment can halt the damage caused by glaucoma. That means the earlier the diagnosis, the more vision there is to save and the less likely the person is to become blind.”
ThevWorld Glaucoma Week aims at alerting members of the broader community on the need for regular simple eye checks, which allow earlier detection and, hence, save sight.
Meanwhile, Dr Kwame Oben Nyarko, Chief Executive of Third Eyecare and Vision Centre, has rolled out the 60+ Eye Care Day programme, a free comprehensive eye examination with free eye drops, check of blood pressure and body mass index for people 60 years and above.
He said the centre, as part of the 60+Eye Care programme, is also offering a 50 per cent discount on lenses, spectacle frames, and Glaucoma labs among others.
