In Focus: Global initiatives drive glaucoma awareness

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of preventable irreversible blindness, reportedly affects more than 78m people worldwide – a number projected to reach 111.8m by 2040.

This year, under the theme, ‘Uniting for a glaucoma-free world’, the global initiative, organised by the World Glaucoma Association, brought communities together in the fight against glaucoma blindness, with over 600 awareness-raising activities held worldwide.

In India, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital of Manipal launched a new glaucoma fellowship programme to address the growing need for glaucoma specialists in the country. At the same time, community-based glaucoma screening camps were established to improve early diagnosis and access to care.