During World Glaucoma Week 2026, Gauteng’s Health MEC highlights the risks of glaucoma - one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. The province is encouraging residents, particularly those over 40 or with chronic conditions, to get regular eye screenings and take steps to protect their vision.
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To mark World Glaucoma Week from 8 to 14 March 2026, the Gauteng Department of Health GDoH) says it is strengthening efforts to protect residents from vision loss as part of a global campaign to raise awareness about the eye condition.
Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.
The condition damages the optic nerve and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people may lose their vision gradually without realizing it until the damage has already become severe.
According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision, at least 2.2 billion people globally live with some form of vision impairment, and in nearly one billion cases the vision loss could have been prevented.
Conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, and Refractive Errors remain among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, alongside glaucoma.
Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko Gauteng’s MEC for Health and Wellness, urged residents to prioritise regular eye check-ups to detect the condition early.
“Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, largely because it often develops without early warning signs. We therefore encourage residents, particularly those over the age of 40 and individuals living with chronic conditions, to undergo regular eye examinations to protect their eyesight,” she said.
As part of efforts to combat avoidable vision impairment and reduce the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors, the provincial health department has also reported progress in expanding access to spectacles across Gauteng.
During the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the department exceeded its targets for issuing spectacles to adults and children, achieving 102% for adults and 75% for children against the target of 70%.
The department said Tshwane District recorded the highest performance in issuing spectacles to adults, while Ekurhuleni District led the province in issuing spectacles to children.
Health officials say the progress highlights the department’s ongoing commitment to improving access to eye care services and preventing avoidable blindness by ensuring residents receive early screening, treatment and corrective eyewear where needed.
Saturday Star