Second edition of nationwide free glaucoma screening campaign
Registration has begun for ophthalmic surgeries wishing to participate in the second edition of the nationwide 'Polish Ophthalmologists versus Glaucoma' campaign, which this year will take place from 11-17 March. The project was initiated and is being carried out by the Polish Ophthalmological Society (PTO) and the PTO Glaucoma Section, in cooperation with the Polish Association of the Blind. Registration will last until 7 March. Facilities that register their participation will receive a so-called starter package from the organisers, including educational materials for patients. The list of establishments is available on the website: www.tydzienjaskry.pto.com.pl
– On the occasion of World Glaucoma Week, for the second time we ophthalmologists are reaching out to our patients by offering them free eye examinations for glaucoma. From 11 to 17 March this year. (Sunday to Saturday), all people who have not visited an ophthalmologist in the last year and are not suffering from glaucoma will be able to have an examination without the required referral. - says Prof. Iwona Grabska-Liberek, MD, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education of the SPSK of Prof. Dr. W. Orłowski in Warsaw, Regional Consultant in Ophthalmology, President of the Polish Ophthalmological Society. - Last year's campaign attracted so much interest from both patients and doctors that we have decided to continue it. I strongly encourage all eye surgeries across the country to join this valuable initiative and patients to take advantage of the free examinations that can save their sight from glaucoma. - adds Professor Iwona Grabska-Liberek.
After cataracts, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the developed world, but according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is much more dangerous because the loss of sight is irreversible. In Poland, the problem of glaucoma may affect up to 800,000 people. It is estimated that only half of them have been diagnosed. The reason is low public awareness and the asymptomatic course of the disease. In as many as 90% cases, glaucoma runs its course without visible symptoms.
– Anyone can develop glaucoma, regardless of age. However, it is important to note that there are some people who are particularly vulnerable. Risk factors for glaucoma include elevated intraocular pressure levels in the eye, myopia, fat metabolism disorders or a family history of glaucoma. - says the professor.
As part of the Polish Ophthalmological Society's 'Polish Ophthalmologists versus Glaucoma' campaign, patients will have their fundus structure and corneal thickness examined and their intraocular pressure measured, as well as undergo a medical interview.
– Providing patients with free tests for the early detection of glaucoma is a very important step in the fight against this insidious disease. In the case of glaucoma, we cannot speak of prevention, but only of early diagnosis. This makes it all the more important to take initiatives that can improve the health situation of our country's population. - emphasises Professor Iwona Grabska-Liberek.
source: campaign press materials