Our work with glaucoma

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It's estimated that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. While it is more common amoung older people, children can also be born with the condition.

Early diagnosis is key, as once vision is lost it cannot be restored. Luckily, two-year-old Laurence recently received surgery to relieve the pressure in his eye and save his sight.

Your gift could help support our work to raise awareness of, prevent and treat glaucoma - the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

"I was worried about Laurence but now I am so happy with the results!" Laurence's mother, Florence Kitimbo, Uganda

Ahmadu Plufau, aged 50, is from Zaria in Nigeria.

He had already lost the sight in his left eye due to glaucoma, and had developed a build up of pressure in his right eye.

His treatment released the fluids and pressure in his eye so that he didn't lose the vision in that one as well.

Ahmadu is a tailor and unless his right eye was saved he would no longer be able to work. He has nine children and a wife to support.

Unlike the cataract patients in his ward, Ahmadu's sight won't improve, his surgery will only stop any further damage. This is why counselling and managing the expectations of glaucoma patients is a very important part of the treatment.

Ahmadu said “I’m really pleased that my eyesight will be saved and I can continue to support my family”