UCC, Cardiff University to Fight Glaucoma

The University of Cape Coast, UCC, and Cardiff University, UK, have resolved to consolidate efforts to fight glaucoma - the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness in Africa.

In view of this, a team of lecturers from the School of Optometry and Vision Science of Cardiff University are in UCC to collaborate with their counterparts at the Department of Optometry and Vision Science to work towards getting research grant to combat glaucoma in Africa.

The Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes at Cardiff University, Prof. Barbara Ryan, made the announcement during a presentation on Glaucoma with faculty from the Department of Optometry and Vision Science-UCC.

Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure inside the eye becomes too high causing damage to the optic nerves. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) as at October 2012, at least 2.2 billion people had a near or distance vision impairment with 7.7 million of the number suffering glaucoma.

Prof. Barbara Ryan delivering her presentation on glaucoma

Prof. Ryan said the treatment for the disease was a challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa where patients were often undiagnosed or do not have access to affordable care.

Globally, she explained,  glaucoma was a big problem as some people could have optic nerves that were sensitive to normal eye pressure, meaning their risk of getting glaucoma was higher than normal. Consequently, she urged the public to regularly check their eyes since early detection was necessary.

She praised the student exchange programme between the two universities, which saw eight students from Cardiff University visit UCC to experience its academic activities.

On his part, the Coordinator for Research Collaboration between UCC and Cardiff University, Dr. Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny, advised that more attention needed to be given to eradicate the disease.

He said Glaucoma had no symptoms or warning signs, and could only be managed to prevent blindness if diagnosed early.

The Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Desmond Omane Acheampong, was present at the event.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC