African Glaucoma experts honour Olurin, first female black African Professor of Ophthalmology, others at its congress

PAN African Glaucoma Association (PAGA), at its first congress in Ghana, honoured Professor Oyin Olurin, Professor Hannah Faal, and Professor Karim Damji, three foremost ophthalmologists that had been at the forefront of glaucoma training, leadership, and service on the African subcontinent.

Professor Oyin Olurin was recognised as a doyen of ophthalmology, who is the first female black African Professor of Ophthalmology and the first Nigerian female Professor of Medicine. For a very long time, she was the only source of information about glaucoma and other diseases of the eye in Nigeria and black Africa.

Presidential Advisor on Health and special guest of honour, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, speaking at the opening of the congress with the theme “Bridging the Gap in Glaucoma Care in Africa and the Diaspora” in Ghana, states that glaucoma is a non-reversible cause of blindness that calls for a concerted effort to break the gap in its care in Africa.

Dr. Nsiah-Asare stated that policies that support routine examinations, subsidise treatment costs, and integrate eye health into primary health care services are very essential, as are international collaborations to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, fostering a global effort to combat glaucoma.

He added: “Breaking the gap in glaucoma care in Africa and in Africa is not an unsurmountable task. It requires a collective effort, driven by commitment to equity and justice in health care.

“By raising awareness, improving access to care, making treatments affordable, investing in research, and advocating for supportive policies, we can make significant strides towards eliminating the burden of glaucoma.”

PAGA’s President, Dr Daniel Laroche, stated that the highest percentages of glaucoma are in persons of African and African descent, and so the organisation is focused on changing this with education, research, teaching innovation, and providing affordable access to care.

According to him, “With early education, screening, and earlier uncomplicated cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery, we can prevent blindness in adults over 50. With earlier surgery, we can also give younger people a better chance at keeping vision.”

President of the Ophthalmology Society of Ghana, Dr Dziffa-Bella Ofori-Adjei, in a remark, said the congress is a critical platform to exchange knowledge and discuss innovative approaches in researching glaucoma management and treatment, as well as a testament to a shared commitment to combat glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in Africa.

According to her, “Our collective efforts in these few days will undoubtedly chart new paths and reinforce our dedication to improving eye care for millions of people across our nations. The collaborative spirit that we foster here will serve as a cornerstone for future advancement and breakthroughs in our field of glaucoma in Africa.”

Former first lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, said major gaps in awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and access to care for the glaucoma exist and called for strategies that will bridge these gaps and bring relief to Africans with the blinding disease.

Rawlings, also the patron of the glaucoma patient association of Ghana, declared, “Let us inspire each other and work tirelessly towards the future when glaucoma is no longer a major public health concern in Africa.

“Imagine a future where screening programmes are readily available in rural and urban areas alike; where healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to manage glaucoma effectively; and where public awareness campaigns ensure that no one loses sight unnecessarily.”

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