From March 7 to 13, the world was abuzz with activities planned to raise awareness of glaucoma during the first World Glaucoma Week, an expansion of the observance of World Glaucoma Day, launched in 2008 by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association. Hundreds of local initiatives took place in countries circling the globe. They all shared the same goals: raising awareness of glaucoma and the need to get tested, encouraging regular screenings for early detection and treatment, and managing the disease for a fulfilling and productive life.
The rationale for the global focus of the observance is very clear. It is estimated that only one-half of those affected with glaucoma in developed nations are aware that they have the disease, and as many as 90 percent of people with glaucoma in underdeveloped countries are unaware of having the disease or have not even heard of glaucoma.
During World Glaucoma Week, screenings, the distribution of educational literature, seminars and conferences for professionals, media events, and many other special activities were organized using local resources to reach patients, doctors, and scientists. In Mendoza, Argentina, a book about the disease was distributed and a March was held. In Canada, an online DVD on glaucoma and the importance of compliance was viewed by many. Conferences and symposia proliferated in such countries as Oman, Poland, China, Lithuania and India. There was a bicycle race in Spain and a symposium on pediatric glaucoma in Turkey. The Caribbean coordinator for the observance arranged for a suitcase of assorted first aid and vision aid supplies to be transported to Haiti.
Headway is being made. A proclamation by the minister of foreign affairs of the republic of Indonesia addressed the various activities to prevent glaucoma in Indonesia, including eye clinics and hospitals throughout the country and collaboration with professional societies. “The Indonesian government also encourages more research efforts to combat glaucoma and is committed to these efforts,” the proclamation states.
Closer to home, representatives from The Glaucoma Foundation participated in a very broad array of WGW events on the islands of Barbados and Antigua. The week began in Barbados with Kira Zmuda, TGF’s director of research and education programs, previewing the week’s schedule of events in a radio and television interview. A second hour-long radio show with Ms. Zmuda promoted glaucoma awareness, with listeners’ questions answered by a local physician. TGF President Scott Christensen and Chairman Gregory Harmon, MD, spoke at a special appreciation dinner attended by the local medical and pharmaceutical community, and hosted a Lunch and Learn session, open to all. There were a series of screenings. The Barbados observance wound down after a public evening lecture, with 80 in attendance, and a weekend 5K Glaucoma Awareness Walk. Among numerous programs scheduled in Antigua, Scott Christensen participated in a panel at the American University, and appeared on the “Let’s Talk the Nation’s Health” TV program.
Plans are already underway for the 2011 observance. Scott Christensen, who also serves as president of the World Glaucoma Patient Association, is reaching out across the US, forming a committee comprised of one glaucoma physician in each of the 50 states to work as coordinator for the next World Glaucoma Week. Preview Slide Show.