Guest: Dr Johann Lamprechts, Executive Board Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa

 Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, essential for good vision, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in Africa affecting more than 6 million people.

Shockingly only 1 in 20 are aware they have glaucoma and 50% will be blind in one eye by the time they seek an ophthalmologist for the first time.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 4.16% of the population aged 40 years and older are affected by glaucoma with a higher incidence among the black population (5-7%) compared to the Caucasian population (3-5%).

 Despite being treatable, the South African Glaucoma Society (SAGS) emphasises the major challenges faced, including lack of awareness, late diagnosis, poor follow-up visits, and low compliance with treatment plans.