Matanand Foundation, in collaboration with ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, launched the Glaucoma Awareness Week Campaign ‘#GlaucomaMuktBharat,’ scheduled to run from March 10-16, 2024 across different parts of India. This initiative aligns with ‘World Glaucoma Week’ and aims to raise awareness about glaucoma, a degenerative eye disease that affects millions across the country and worldwide.
Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” poses a significant threat to vision health, with its gradual progression leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. With an estimated 12 million individuals affected in India alone, and up to 50 per cent of cases going undetected, the need for awareness and early detection is paramount.
The Glaucoma Awareness Week Campaign will encompass a series of field activities designed to educate communities specifically targeting the youth about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early intervention.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, stated: “Our aim with the ‘#GlaucomaMuktBharat’ campaign is to empower individuals with knowledge about glaucoma and encourage proactive eye care practices. By fostering awareness and facilitating early detection, we can work towards reducing the burden of glaucoma-related blindness in India. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking tangible steps to save sight and improve lives.”
In addition to field activities, the campaign emphasises the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals over 40 years of age and those with a family history of glaucoma. Early detection, coupled with timely intervention, can significantly improve outcomes and prevent vision loss.