Across the globe, glaucoma advocates, caregivers, healthcare providers, and patients alike will be honoring World Glaucoma Week 2021 this week, from Sunday, March 7 through Saturday, March 13.* Jointly run by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Network (WGPN), the goal of this annual event is to raise glaucoma awareness, otherwise known as the “silent thief of sight,” and encourage regular eye exams for early detection.

This year’s theme “reflects the hope that with regular testing, people continue to see the world around us: full of beauty, charm, and adventure,” according to the World Glaucoma Week website. As the tagline says, “The world is bright, save your sight!”

Where else can I learn more about glaucoma?

Aside from The Glaucoma Community, the app in which you’re viewing this article, the following is a list of other fantastic resources for glaucoma information:

• Prevent Blindness
• BrightFocus Foundation
• National Eye Institute
• Glaucoma Research Foundation
• American Glaucoma Society

How can I get involved?

Within this year’s theme, there are three main points of focus:

1. Think global, act local.
2. Eliminate global blindness.
3. Create a network.

Everyone involved in World Glaucoma Week 2021 will be working towards the same goal of “alerting members of the broader community to the need for regular simple eye checks, which allow earlier detection and, hence, saved sight.”

Especially during a global pandemic, the best way to do that is to take to social media or email. Post or re-post World Glaucoma Weeks on your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts with the hashtag #glaucomaweek or send out email newsletters with article recommendations and information to your family, friends, and members of your local community.

Are there virtual activities I can participate in?

On the World Glaucoma Week website, there is an interactive map where you can see what activities are happening where all around the globe. You can even submit your own local activity to their calendar! There is a free, downloadable toolkit on the website, too, where you’ll find materials to make your own signs, posts, infographics, and more.

What can healthcare professionals do?

If you are an eye care provider or organization, consider setting up the following activities, as suggested by the World Glaucoma Association:

• Organize a COVID-19-friendly screening event at a local institution or hospital for glaucoma patients
• Arrange a free Zoom webinar with eye doctors and specialists for a patient support group
• Find a local radio and/or TV show on which you can talk about glaucoma and answer questions
• Contact your local newspapers to publish a story about glaucoma and World Glaucoma Week
• Plan and run a social media campaign about glaucoma awareness

To find a glaucoma screening near you, head to the Glaucoma Research Foundation website for free screening resources.

*World Glaucoma Week. (n.d.). https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/

Any sources from outside of Prevent Blindness do not imply an endorsement from Prevent Blindness. The contents of the material used are the responsibility of the authoring organization, Responsum Health.