The Gauteng Department of Health has intensified efforts to combat preventable blindness as the province joins the global community in observing World Glaucoma Week, highlighting the growing global burden of vision loss affecting billions of people.
According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment, with nearly one billion cases considered preventable.
Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally. The disease damages the optic nerve and typically develops without early symptoms, meaning many people lose vision gradually without realising it until the damage is severe.
Gauteng Health said the week-long campaign, running from March 8 to 14, aims to raise awareness about early detection and treatment under the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko warned that many people only discover the condition when it is too late to reverse the damage.
“Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, largely because it often develops without early warning signs. We therefore encourage residents, particularly those over the age of 40 and individuals living with chronic conditions, to undergo regular eye examinations to protect their eyesight,” she said.
Health authorities say other major causes of vision loss include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and uncorrected refractive errors.
As part of efforts to address these challenges, the department has expanded access to spectacles across the province. During the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, Gauteng Health exceeded its targets for issuing spectacles to residents.
The department achieved 102% of its target for adults and 75% for children, surpassing the set benchmark of 70%. The City of Tshwane recorded the highest performance in issuing spectacles to adults, while the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality led the province in providing spectacles to children.
Health officials say the progress reflects a broader strategy to improve access to eye health services while increasing awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.
“Through improved access to eye health services and increased public awareness, the department remains committed to protecting the vision of communities and reducing preventable blindness across the province,” the department said.
Officials emphasised that while spectacles can correct refractive errors, glaucoma requires early detection and continuous management to prevent permanent vision loss.
The department has also intensified community outreach programmes, using health facilities, community engagements and local radio stations to encourage residents to prioritise regular eye check-ups.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
