The Gauteng Department of Health is strengthening efforts to protect residents from vision loss as the province joins the global community in observing World Glaucoma Week from March 08 to 14 under the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”

Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

The condition damages the optic nerve and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people may lose their vision gradually without realising it until the damage is already severe.

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According to the World Health Organisation’s World Report on Vision, at least 2.2 billion people globally live with some form of vision impairment, and in nearly one billion cases, the vision loss could have been prevented.

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

“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,” said the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

As part of efforts to combat avoidable vision impairment and reduce the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors, the GDoH has made notable progress in expanding access to spectacles across the province.

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During the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the department exceeded its targets for issuing spectacles to adults and children, achieving 102% for adults and 75% for children against the target of 70%.

Beyond 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.

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

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 improved access to eye health services and increased public awareness, the department remains committed to protecting communities’ vision and reducing preventable blindness across the province.