The inaugural World Glaucoma Awareness Week was launched by The Trust Specialist Hospital on March 11, 2024, at the hospital's conference room. The event began a series of activities aimed at raising awareness of the medical condition.

Beyond its symbolic significance, it was a testament to the hospital's commitment to promoting ocular health and overall well-being within the community and among its esteemed clientele.

Glaucoma, a condition that often goes unnoticed until it is too late, reveals concealed truths within the shadows of vision. The event served as a reminder of the importance of regular eye check-ups and early detection in managing the condition and preserving one's sight.

During her speech, Dr. Juliana Oye Ameh, the CEO of The Trust Hospital, stressed the importance of raising awareness about glaucoma, a silent but widespread cause of vision loss that affects millions of people worldwide. She highlighted the significance of initiatives to increase awareness, advocate for early detection, and promote preventative measures.

Dr. Ameh also emphasized that her hospital's dedicated medical professionals are prepared to provide guidance, support, and provide the highest standard of care.

Mr. Dennis Aggrey-Ampiah, a retired Administrative Analyst of UNDP and a glaucoma patient at the Trust Specialist Hospital narrated his story of being diagnosed with the disease over a decade ago and described his journey of treatment and care.

He advised Ghanaians to refrain from self-medication and report early to the hospital when they detected signs of vision decline. He also warned against quacks and the wrong use of eyeglasses saying; "Be cautious of quacks who parade with all kinds of concoctions, claiming to cure glaucoma and other eye diseases. Avoid buying cheap eyeglasses from questionable sources and report eye problems to the hospital immediately to avoid future vision loss. Treasure your eyes, don't wait till you lose your sight," he said.

Mr Harrison K. Abutiate, the National President of Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana (GPAG), appealed to the Government to remove all taxes on glaucoma medications. Mr Abutiate, during his speech, said treatment had become a challenge due to the high cost of medication arising from high taxes and exchange rates.

"One of the reasons prices are high is because of the high taxes and exchange rate. Taxes on them are about fifty percent of the cost of the drugs. If you add the freight charges and importers’ margin, we will be talking about almost 75 to 80 percent of the charges. So, if the government reduces the tax by 50 percent, it will be affordable, probably a third of what we are paying now," he said.

The GPAG President also appealed to the Government to intensify the lighting of the streets and cover all open drains to save persons with vision challenges from falling into ditches.

He mentioned that "Most people driving may have vision challenges, but glaucoma patients have additional problems because they are losing their peripheral vision... it will also help a lot if there is adequate street lighting, especially at night. A lot of pavements and edges of bridges are also not marked with reflectors, and this also creates problems... there are so many accidents just because many cannot see properly when driving or crossing."

Dr. Ama Abrefi Duffor, an ophthalmologist at the Trust Specialist Hospital, expounded on the etiologies, manifestations, therapies, and preventative measures of glaucoma. The Trust Specialist Hospital's Ophthalmology department is dedicated to upholding and enhancing visual health. Their experienced ophthalmologists utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to address a comprehensive range of ocular diseases, including Glaucoma, refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Their services range from routine eye examinations to sophisticated surgical interventions such as laser eye procedures and cataract surgery. By providing exceptional eye care services, the hospital is unwavering in its commitment to optimizing visual health.

In observance of the Global Glaucoma Awareness Week, Trust Specialist Hospital, along with four of its five satellite clinics - Trust Clinic Tema, Trust Clinic Adenta, Trust Clinic Sakumono, and Trust Clinic Dansoman - is undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at promoting visual health. The hospital is offering complimentary visual health talks and eye screenings, along with a 30% discount on glaucoma tests throughout the week.

In bringing the launch to a close, the CEO of The Trust Hospital along with Dr. Nana Ama Abankwa the Chief of Medical Staff reiterated the hospital’s commitment to the Global Glaucoma Awareness Week.

She further stated that going forward, there is a plan to institutionalize the event annually, with a focus on advocacy and promoting the quality of basic medical care and advanced treatment of glaucoma with the commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the condition and ensuring that the highest level of care is available to all.

Let us unite in the fight against Glaucoma, by fostering a community where ocular health is regarded as a top priority for everyone. The Trust Hospital aims to continually elevate its standards, serving as a trusted and affordable healthcare provider in Ghana.