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Because glaucoma is a progressive disease causing irreversible visual loss, usually without warning until relatively advanced, and because 50% of affected people in the developed world, and 90% in developing countries, do not know they have it, and are not on treatment, we believe community awareness needs to be increased. This includes awareness of the disease, and of the need to have regular eye checks, thereby permitting earlier detection and avoidance of what should be preventable visual disability.
We will work for recognition by national and international organizations and several governments in various ways, such as issuing commemorative stamps and media releases. WGA and WGPA encourage the organization of local activities aiming at increasing glaucoma awareness, such as newspaper articles, radio and television coverage, public glaucoma 'screening' campaigns in public places and 'open-door' days at glaucoma clinics and departments of ophthalmology.
You can initiate any of the above activities in your town or institution, or any other event that may help increase awareness of the disease. Please indicate to us what you would like to do, so that we can keep track of all events and activities around the globe. Send us the information electronically (to gnlambrou@hotmail.com) or visit our website for more information and to provide feedback.
Thank you for your support in this exciting project. We look forward to hearing from you.
Scott Christensen
WGPA President
Ivan Goldberg
WGA President; Co-Chair,WGPA Physician Liaison Committee
George Lambrou
Exec. Vice-Chair, WGPA Physician Liaison Committee; WGD Global Project
Leader
Robert Ritch
Co-Chair, WGPA Physician Liaison Committee