The Pan African Glaucoma Association convened its first congress at the Marriott Hotel in Accra from June 26 to 29, 2024, with a focus on developing solutions to combat glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in Africa and the African diaspora.

The event was graced by the presence of former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawling, as the special guest.

Under the theme "Bridging the Gap in Glaucoma Care in Africa and the Diaspora," the congress brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaborative and innovative approaches to glaucoma care.

On the second day, the former First Lady emphasized the importance of early detection, effective management, and public awareness to alleviate the burden of glaucoma.

"Each one of us plays a vital role in our mission to reduce the burden of glaucoma. We must talk more about it. We must inform the population because you really don’t know until you are told," she stated.
President of the Pan African Glaucoma Association, a clinical associate professor of ophthalmology in New York Dr. Daniel Laroche (USA) highlighted the critical need for regular eye checks for individuals over forty and called for an increase in the number of eye doctors to meet the growing needs of Ghana and the diaspora.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the African community and the African diaspora. It is very important for everyone over forty to get their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist. We also need more eye doctors so for the youths, make sure you study well because we need more doctors to take care of the population.

Also, for those with glaucoma, make sure you instruct all of your family to go and get checked because there is a genetic connection. If one person has it, there is a high chance that his parents, brothers, and cousins will have it," he said.

Dr. Nsiah Asare, the special adviser to the president of Ghana on health, urged unity in the fight against glaucoma, stating, "Let us all unite in this force ensuring that no one is left in the dark due to lack of care and resources."

Dr. Dzifa Bella Ofori Agyei, president of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, pointed out that Ghana has the highest prevalence of glaucoma in Africa, making it an apt location for the conference.

"The whole idea is for us to collaborate and formulate ways and means in which we can help in the management of glaucoma," she added.

The Pan African Glaucoma Association, a non-profit professional association, aims to prevent glaucoma-related disability worldwide, particularly among persons of African descent.





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