#PODCAST Ophthalmologists call for a greater rollout of screenings - as today marks World Glaucoma Day #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - As we observe World Glaucoma Day, ophthalmologists are calling for a greater rollout of screenings from a grassroots level. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss by damaging the optic nerve at the back of the eye. There is no cure for glaucoma and vision loss is irreversible. However, medication or surgery can halt or slow-down its progression. According to the World Glaucoma Association, around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide and approximately 50% of the individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease. Ophthalmologist, Dr Kgosi Letlape says South Africa is doing well in managing glaucoma, but is concerned for those going undiagnosed...