The second week of March is observed as World Glaucoma Week to raise awareness about this leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
Bothra Foundation is proud to support World Glaucoma Week by organising various activities to educate the community about glaucoma, provide free eye screenings, and make treatment accessible to all.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which transfers visual information from the eye to the brain. It is caused by increased eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss and blindness.
Glaucoma often shows no symptoms in the early stages. By the time a person notices vision loss, significant optic nerve damage may have already occurred. This is why regular eye exams and screening for glaucoma are so important.
There are several types of glaucoma:
Primary open-angle glaucoma – The most common type, caused by slow clogging of drainage canals resulting in increased eye pressure.
Angle-closure glaucoma – Occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle, blocking the flow of eye fluid. This causes a rapid and painful buildup of pressure.
Normal tension glaucoma – Optic nerve damage with normal eye pressure levels.
Congenital glaucoma – Develops in infancy or early childhood due to defective development of fluid drainage pathways.
Secondary glaucoma – Caused by injury, infection, tumour, eye surgery or advanced cataracts. Glaucoma remains a leading cause of preventable blindness. In India, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness after cataracts. Over 12 million people are estimated to be affected by glaucoma in India.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented. Bothra Foundation aims to increase access to eye care and make treatment affordable to all through initiatives like World Glaucoma Week.
Exclusive free Glaucoma camps will be held at our Sri Chanmal Bothra Charitable Medical Center, twice in a week from January to March 2024.
At each camps, around 100-150 people will be screened for signs of glaucoma through comprehensive eye exams by ophthalmologists. This will include checking eye pressure, optic nerve damage, angle of drainage canals, field of vision and more.
People detected with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma will be advised of follow-up consultations and treatment options. They will be given priority access to our subsidised glaucoma surgeries at partnering eye hospitals.
Awareness Seminars
During World Glaucoma Week, wellness seminars on Glaucoma prevention and treatment will be held at various corporate organisations across Karnataka. Please contact us if your organisation is willing to participate.
Ophthalmologists will lead presentations on glaucoma causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis and latest treatments.
Interactive Q&A sessions with glaucoma specialists.
Informative brochures, posters and videos about glaucoma will be displayed.
Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to safeguard their eye health and share with others.
Posters and Hoarding at prime locations
Social media messages
Awareness video-shows on major hospitals
Surgeries & Treatment
Bothra Foundation will subsidise glaucoma surgeries like trabeculectomy for underprivileged patients.
Financial assistance is based on individual needs for surgery costs, medications, and follow-up care.
Partnerships with eye hospitals to provide discounted treatment rates.
Glaucoma awareness at the network of TRUST PHARMACY across Karnataka.