Is the Philippines alone in
the fight against glaucoma?
Definitely not! With the
close of World Glaucoma Week 2012 themed Don’t
let glaucoma darken your life!, the Philippines joins over 120 countries
worldwide to stop Glaucoma in its tracks.
“Glaucoma is a leading
cause of permanent blindness in the world. Countries all over the world are
well aware of the terrible repercussion of this disease. We join them in the
fight to rid the Philippines, and ultimately the world, of the incurable
blindness caused by glaucoma,” said Dr. Biboy Martinez, vice-president of the
Philippine Glaucoma Society, the recognized association of glaucoma specialists
in the country.
World Glaucoma Week is a
worldwide celebration spearheaded by the joint forces of the World Glaucoma
Patient Association (WGPA) and the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). It was
held on March 11-17, 2012 and has been celebrated since 2008.
The WGPA began the world
umbrella organization of glaucoma patient support groups who seek to provide
solace for other patients worldwide. It organizes patient support groups in
every country who will benefit not only from personal care but also from other
patients who understand their plights.
The World Glaucoma
Association brings to the table a world organization to unite “glaucoma
fighters” in their mission to end glaucoma existence. The Philippine Glaucoma
Society represents the country in this worldwide consortium.
Worldwide
activities
In many countries,
awareness of the severity of glaucoma has been the focus. Glaucoma is the “sneak
thief of the sight”. Many patients
are not even aware that they already have glaucoma. They’ll only find out until
glaucoma has already severely damaged vision.
In Australia, over 300,000
suffer from some form of glaucoma. Half
of them are not even aware of it. Most cases are detected only after permanent
loss of vision has occurred. A very active glaucoma patient association has
been established in this country.
In Congo, eye experts
raised awareness in their communities through displaying of banners showing
messages on glaucoma, broadcasting short messages and information on glaucoma
by radio and television and distribute leaflets with information on glaucoma to
the population. A free glaucoma screening for patients aged over 40 years old
was also conducted and glaucoma treatment subsidies were distributed to chosen
patients in lieu of the celebration.
In Ghana, a press launch,
free public eye screening and a public forum were organized by local glaucoma
organizations to promote awareness of the disease that is a major cause of
visual impairment of its citizens.
India is also well aware of
the damage done by glaucoma. Up to 12% of the all blindness in India is caused
by glaucoma. Eye experts in India also agree that glaucoma can only be stopped
through early detection. Awareness campaigns have been launched to do just
that.
Local
activities
In the Philippines, the
Philippine Glaucoma Society in partnership with Allergan launched a series of
campaigns and activities to spread the word on the fight against the sneak thief of sight.
A nationwide screening and
glaucoma forum were held in over 63 participating hospitals and health centers
in Metro Manila, North and South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
To pay their respects to
the ultimate Filipino ophthalmologist, the PGS traditionally organizes a
Wreath-laying ceremony at Jose Rizal’s monument in Manila. Not only is Rizal
known for his writing prowess, he was also a very capable eye doctor.
A media campaign and standardized
presentations and information materials were also launched.
In partnership with
Allergan, PGS is aggressively fighting to rid the country of glaucoma through
education, exchange of ideas, research and publication. Its vision is No Filipino will ever go blind from
Glaucoma.
Philippine Glaucoma Society
along with globally recognized multi-specialty care company Allergan brings
scientific excellence and rigor in delivering leading products that addresses
glaucoma. Allergan goes beyond providing education and information. With the
highest level of integrity, Allergan helps patients understand the choices
available to them and make well-informed treatment decisions with their
doctors.
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