‘I have undergone operation for glaucoma in both my eyes. I can see well.’
Mr. Yagya B. Pradhan, Coordinator GSGN

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which raised or normal eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and result is gradual and permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma is the second major cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma is often deTIOted incidentally when a patient visits an eye doctor. Many glaucoma patients are in the advanced stage of the disease with significant loss of vision at the time of diagnosis. Raising awareness of the disease is of utmost importance in the management and the prevention of blindness from glaucoma.

Everyone above the age of 40 years is at risk for developing glaucoma.
Visit an eye doctor to measure the eye pressure for early deTIOtion and treatment

Glaucoma Support Group Nepal (GSGN) The glaucoma support group of Nepal is a group formed by glaucoma patients, relatives of patients, health professional and social workers. The objectives of the group are to educate glaucoma patients about their disease, promote awareness on glaucoma and financially support marginalized patients. GSGN is one of the members of Association of International Glaucoma Patient Organizations (AIGPO).AIGPO exists to better the lives of glaucoma patients by encouraging the

ACTIVITIES OF GSGN 2005-2006

Patient Education: Education classes and group discussions were held for glaucoma patients at Tilganga institute of Ophthalomology. Six classes were held and as many as 250 patients benefited from this program. Drs. Rohit Sainju and Suman S. Thapa from Tilganga institute of Ophthalomology participated in educating patients. Dr. Aditya Rizal from Nepal Eye Hospital also donated his time generously.

Support for poor patients: After each patient education class, patients were encouraged to make a small donation towards a fund that supports treatment for poor patients. Glaucoma patients and their relatives have generously donated by which19 patients have undergone glaucoma surgery from this fund.

Radio Talk Program: Six programs for awareness on glaucoma were broadcasted in the IMAGE FM channel 96.1. The program was coordinated by Mrs. Krishna Tamrakar and had the participation from several glaucoma patients and eye doctors.

Glaucoma Awareness Week: The glaucoma awareness week was held from 5th to 10th March 2006 at Tilganga institute of Ophthalomology in Kathmandu. Glaucoma investigations and treatment were conducted free of cost to all glaucoma patients and suspects. Ophthalmic assistants and patients from the support group counseled new patients diagnosed with glaucoma. They received a free sample of medication and were then enrolled for the patient education program. Patients with severe glaucoma necessitating surgery were registered to receive free eye surgery. Ophthalmic assistants made posters to promote awareness on glaucoma, which were displayed, for the general public. Patient handbook (publication sponsored by Allergan India) on glaucoma was available for purchase.

A public awareness function was held on the 10th of March 2006. Mr. Anil K. Shah, CEO of Nabil Bank was the chief guest for the occasion. Mr. Anil K. Shah addressed the audience and stressed upon the importance of awareness, early deTIOtion and treatment for prevention of glaucoma blindness in Nepal. Dr. Indira Rupakheti summarized the activities of the glaucoma awareness week while Mr. Sukdeo Tiwari; President of GSGN spoke about the objectives of the support group. Mrs. Krishna Tamrakar kindly volunteered to be the masters of ceremony.

Radio Talk Program
1st Saturday of alternate months, starting May 2006
Time 7:30 AM, FM Image Channel 96.1
Program ‘UJJYALO’

Glaucoma Awareness Week
March 2007

MAKE A DONATION
It only takes Rs. 2000/- for an operation to save blindness from glaucoma

For further information please contact:    
Mr. Satish Shrestha, OA / Mr. Sukdeo Tiwari, President GSGN