World Glaucoma Day set for March 12

New York

-The World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) have set March 12 as the second annual World Glaucoma Day. The day will be marked by awareness and educational events organized by eye-care institutions and local patient support groups on every continent, as listed on

www.wgday.net

. Once again,

Ophthalmology Times

is the official news source of the observance.

“Because glaucoma strikes so silently and gradually, it is absolutely crucial to educate people about the value of early detection,” said Robert Ritch, MD, professor and chief of glaucoma services at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE), co-founder of the WGPA, and member of the WGA’s World Glaucoma Day committee.

“For a disease that causes permanent blindness, it is truly unacceptable that so many people remain unaware of its impact and consequences,” added Dr. Ritch, a member of the editorial advisory board of

Ophthalmology Times

.

To emphasize the universal importance of early detection, Dr. Ritch and colleagues plan a glaucoma screening for delegates and staff of the United Nations. NYEE also expects to enlist the support of elected officials to recognize the importance of this health observance.