The Glaucoma Research Foundation will be one of the organizations marking World Glaucoma Day on March 12, 2009 in order to draw attention to the disease known as the “sneak thief of sight.”
This is the second year of the event founded by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Organization. This year, events will include public education displays and screening clinics around the globe that are designed to make people more aware of the risk factors and importance of early glaucoma detection.
“The Glaucoma Research Foundation is an enthusiastic supporter of World Glaucoma Day because of the attention it focuses on the need for early screening and prevention,” said Thomas M. Brunner, CEO and President of the Glaucoma Research Foundation. “As one of the key resources of education materials on glaucoma, the Foundation will be working to educate as many people as possible on the day.”
Congressional Briefing
As part of its participation in World Glaucoma Day, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is among a number of organizations that is sponsoring a Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. on March 10. Entitled “Glaucoma – The Stealth Robber of Vision,” the briefing will include a talk by Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, Director of the Glaucoma Service at the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California. Dr.Varma was recently honored by the Glaucoma Research Foundation with the President’s Award for his groundbreaking research that shows the Latino community to be among those at highest risk for development of glaucoma.
Other sponsors of the Congressional briefing are the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), the American Glaucoma Society, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and the Glaucoma Foundation.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Glaucoma leads to blindness by damaging the optic nerve. Elevated pressure in the eye is a risk factor, but even people with normal pressure can lose vision to glaucoma. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and the leading cause in African-Americans. Anyone is at risk, but there are certain population groups that are more at risk:
– Persons over 60 years of age
– Persons of African descent
– Hispanics in older age groups
– Relatives of those with glaucoma
– Persons who are very nearsighted
– Diabetics
About 50% of persons with glaucoma in the United States are unaware that they have it, while this number can reach 90% in developing countries. Persons at high risk for glaucoma should have their eyes examined for the disease at least every two years by an eye care professional.
About the Glaucoma Research Foundation
Located in San Francisco, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is the nation’s most experienced foundation dedicated solely to glaucoma research and education. In addition to funding innovative research like the Catalyst For a Cure research consortium and its Shaffer Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research, GRF also is the “go to” agency for education materials, including the definitive reference for newly diagnosed, Understanding and Living with Glaucoma (available in both English and Spanish editions); a special brochure serving those at highest risk, including African-Americans, Latinos, and children; and a toll free phone line, 800-826-6693, staffed during office hours with an information specialist to handle a variety of inquiries.
For more information about Glaucoma Research Foundation, call 415.986.3162 or visit: glaucoma
About the World Glaucoma Association
The World Glaucoma Association is a global organization dedicated to the overall improvement of glaucoma science and care. Comprised of leading medical experts and institutions throughout the world, the group’s overall goal is to optimize the quality of glaucoma research and treatment through increased communication and cooperation among international glaucoma societies, industries, and patient organizations.
About the World Glaucoma Patient Association
The World Glaucoma Patient Association is an umbrella organization that supports glaucoma associations and networks worldwide in their efforts to educate and support their members so that all people with glaucoma can understand and better manage their disease. The WGPA facilitates the establishment of glaucoma support groups in many nations and coordinates communication and cooperation between existing groups, in addition to promoting international awareness of glaucoma as a cause of preventable blindness.
For more information on World Glaucoma Day, please visit: wgday
World Glaucoma Association