Glaucoma: Gauteng health tackles vision loss with massive awareness push

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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is enhancing its efforts to prevent vision loss coinciding with World Glaucoma Week, observed internationally from March 8 to 14.

This year’s theme is “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World”, emphasising glaucoma’s status as a major public health concern.

Dubbed the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma is a principal cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures regarding its prevention and treatment.

The condition leads to gradual damage to the optic nerve, typically advancing without notable early symptoms. Consequently, individuals may suffer a slow decline in vision, often remaining unaware of this deterioration until it reaches an advanced stage.

According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision, over 2.2 billion individuals worldwide experience some degree of vision impairment, with preventable vision loss accounting for nearly one billion of these cases.

Glaucoma, causes vision impairment

Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remain among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide.

Glaucoma is a major contributor to irreversible blindness, often progressing without noticeable symptoms.

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, emphasised the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for individuals over 40 and those with chronic conditions, to safeguard their vision.

“As part of our initiatives to address preventable vision impairment and to lower the incidence of uncorrected refractive errors, we have significantly improved access to spectacles throughout the province.

“During the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the department demonstrated commendable performance by surpassing its targets for the issuance of spectacles.

“Specifically, the achievement for adults was 102%, significantly exceeding the target of 70%. For children, the department also performed well, reaching 75% of the target, indicating progress in meeting the needs of both demographics,” she expressed.

Tshwane District recorded the highest performance in issuing spectacles to adults, while Ekurhuleni District led the province in issuing spectacles to children.

The MEC stated that this progress reflects the department’s dedication to ensuring that all residents and learners have access to the corrective lenses necessary for clear vision, thereby enhancing their daily lives and academic performance.

She added, “For clinical services, the department continues to intensify community outreach and awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of eye health.

“Through awareness programmes conducted in communities, community radio stations and health facilities, residents are encouraged to undergo regular eye examinations and seek care early.

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“While spectacles help correct refractive errors and restore vision, glaucoma requires early detection and ongoing management to prevent permanent blindness.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted that this is because the disease often develops without early warning signs; regular eye examinations remain the most effective way to detect it early and protect eyesight.

“Through enhanced access to eye health services and greater public awareness initiatives, the department is dedicated to safeguarding the vision of communities and minimising instances of preventable blindness throughout the province,” the MEC concluded.