ANTIGUA & BARBUDA will join organisations and eye care professionals around the world beginning on Sunday March 7th, 2010 to March 13, 2010, to observe World Glaucoma Week. Spearheaded by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association, World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of glaucoma, a disease that affects approximately 4 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide.
"Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and worldwide, which underscores the importance of a global initiative such as World Glaucoma Week," said Dr. Jillia Bird, President of the Antigua & Barbuda Glaucoma Support Group, the group leading the observance locally, and is the leading cause of visual impairment in persons of Afro-Caribbean origin. "While glaucoma cannot be prevented or cured, early detection and treatment can help to preserve sight. Individuals at risk for glaucoma and those over the age of 40 should have regular, comprehensive eye exams that include careful evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure and peripheral or side vision. Those at higher risk for the disease include those persons with: a family history of glaucoma, Afro-Caribbean origin, high fluid pressure inside the eye, diabetes and everyone over age 60. "
To celebrate World Glaucoma Week in Antigua & Barbuda, the Antigua & Barbuda Glaucoma Support Group plans to :
Mount a media campaign to include print, radio and televised Public Service Announcements and radio and television interviews
Distribute printed glaucoma patient literature to the public
Collaborate with the Citizen's Welfare Division and the Community Development Division to host a community glaucoma screening at this month's Street Fair.
Hold a lecture presentation on glaucoma at Mt St. John's Medical Centre to a public audience.
Organize several fundraisers for the Caribbean Optometrists' Haiti Eyecare Relief fund
Collaborate with the Lions Club to hold the Annual March for Sight through the streets of St. John's on March 13th, 2010
