ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Launches Glaucoma Public Awareness Campaign, the ‘#TheGLOProject’, around the Country
March, 2022, India – ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, one of the leading International and researched-based pharmaceutical companies specialising in ophthalmic, ENT & Dermatology medicines has launched a glaucoma public awareness campaign to be conducted in different parts of the country.
The primary objective of #TheGLOProject is to create awareness about glaucoma, encourage people to have regular eye check-ups (including optic nerve examinations) and improve medical compliance. Raising awareness about glaucoma is crucial in India where it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with at least 12 million people affected and almost 1.2 million people blind from the disease.
Executive Director of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, Mr Nikkhil K Masurkar said “Studies reveal that nearly 11.2 million people above 40 years of age are affected with glaucoma in India. Even small children are being affected with glaucoma which has become very common therefore, creating awareness is the key to the prevention of this disease. Almost 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or cured, so it’s certainly an area where initiatives like this can have a strong impact where it is needed the most. We are excited to collaborate with glaucoma specialists from around India to create a real impact on our shared goal of reducing the high burden of irreversible blindness in the country. ENTOD has always been committed to finding and providing effective solutions for patients suffering from eye diseases. The typical barriers that we face on the ground include a lack of awareness, inadequate human resources and limited access to medical treatments. This partnership would be an example of the vital associations that are required to fight avoidable eye blindness and deliver better services at the community level.”
Ahead of the World Glaucoma Week, Entod would not only disseminate information on glaucoma to the masses through news media but screen people, conduct awareness talks with specialists to support India’s eye care strategies.
“Glaucoma leads to gradual, painless vision loss with increased eye pressure. People over the age of 40 are significantly at risk especially those with diabetes, inflammations, injury, myopia, congenital eye disorders, positive family history and more. The concerning part is that some studies have revealed that only 50 per cent of people with glaucoma have had an eye examination. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness at the community level. We are keen to make a real difference for people with Glaucoma. Through this project, we hope that expertise and knowledge combined with the passion for science and solutions will have a real impact on our shared goal of reducing the high burden of irreversible blindness in the country,” said Mrs. Anjula Masurkar, Clinical Director, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.
“Glaucoma happens to be the second leading cause of blindness and the top cause of irreversible blindness in the world. As there are very few symptoms in the earlier stages of this disease, most people remain unaware till the time they lose significant amount of vision. Early diagnosis can reduce progression of the disease and prevent blindness. Since staying informed is the first key step to tackle glaucoma, there is a greater need to create public awareness on the importance of periodic screening. A positive family history has also been proven to be a strong risk factor for glaucoma. Strengthening family screening and bringing awareness in families and communities can help reduce blindness due to glaucoma. We are happy to partner with ENTOD pharmaceuticals to heighten public awareness of glaucoma which we believe will create a positive impact and emphasise the importance of regular eye check-ups for preventing glaucoma-associated blindness,” said Dr. P. VENKATA RATNAM Professor of Ophthalmology , Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad.
—
