5% People Tested Positive at Free Initial Screenings for Glaucoma at Saifee Hospital

Saifee Hospital, one of Mumbai’s leading multi-specialty hospitals, conducted almost 400 free eye check-ups for their visitors to observe World Glaucoma Week. The check-ups were conducted throughout the week and more than 20 people were detected to have high IOP making them susceptible to glaucoma. These patients will be subjected to further tests and examinations to check the severity of the disease.

This program was initiated to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of glaucoma. The hospital also distributed informative pamphlets to help people learn more about the disease. The number of positive reports in a random sample group indicates the need for raising awareness of one of the top issues causing blindness in India. According to studies, around 11.2 million Indians above the age of 60 years are likely to be affected by glaucoma, accounting for 12.8 percent of cases of blindness in the country. Glaucoma is known to silently steal one’s vision, and yet, despite the grave threat it poses, there is a lack of awareness about the severity of the disease.

“Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible loss of vision, which often goes undetected in India. Also, due to the lack of distinguishable symptoms of the disease it goes unnoticed,” Dr. Hardik Ajmera, Assistant Director-Medical Services, Saifee Hospital, said in a news release. “We are glad that we have been instrumental in saving people’s eyesight since this can lead to blindness if not treated in time. At Saifee Hospital, we have always believed in providing the best healthcare services to people in need and will continue to do so in the future as well. Our intention is to continue conducting such camps on a regular basis at our hospital.”