Dr Steve Seah, Chairman, Organising Committee, 1 st World Glaucoma Day, Singapore
Ophthalmologists, eye-care professionals and industry partners
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
I am delighted to join you this morning to mark the 1st World Glaucoma Day, Singapore. This occasion will help increase awareness on glaucoma through traditional and novel communication methods and strategies.
2 World Glaucoma Day was created in response to the worldwide increase in the number of people with glaucoma, and the resulting rise in the number of people going blind from this disease.
3 It has been estimated that glaucoma will be the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the world this century, with almost 70 million cases of glaucoma internationally. And with the aging population worldwide, it became imperative to create awareness of this condition and the importance of early detection and treatment.
4 In Singapore, a cross-sectional population survey of the Tanjong Pagar district reported a 3.2 per cent prevalence of glaucoma in Chinese Singaporeans, aged 40 years and above. Glaucoma was found to be the leading cause of blindness, with primary angle closure glaucoma, or PACG in short, as the most visually destructive form of the disease. Chinese Singaporeans were also reported to have the world’s highest recorded incidence of acute PACG.
5 As our population ages, we can expect the incidence of glaucoma to rise, which in turn would lead to increased health care costs for many Singaporeans.
6 What can we do about it?
7 I am pleased to note that ophthalmologists, eye care professionals, and glaucoma patients alike have decided to take a step forward in increasing the awareness of this condition in our society.
8 I was told that the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology along with Singapore National Eye Centre, the eye departments of restructured hospitals such as the National University Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as well as retail outlets and Glaucoma Patient support groups will be organising educational talks and eye screening for the public this week. The talks will be held in several languages to raise awareness among different groups of Singaporeans, and to drive home the message of early detection and treatment.
9 It is well documented that this condition tends to run in the family, and family members are in higher risk of developing glaucoma. In view of this, I am heartened that special efforts have been taken to reach out to family members of glaucoma patients, to ensure that they get proper eyes screening. I hope that Singaporeans will be encouraged to take ownership of their health and attend medical talks, and to go for eye and health screenings on a regular basis.
10 In conclusion, I would like to commend the organisers and supporters for observing this day and spearheading this event. My heartfelt appreciation also goes out to industry partners like Alcon for supporting this effort. Issues like glaucoma are best dealt with through PPP – People, Public and Private Partnerships, where expertise and experiences are shared. Industry partners play an important role in keeping healthcare effective and affordable to Singaporeans.
11 On this note, I wish this event success and look forward to seeing more of such efforts in the years to come.
Thank you.
Jointly Issued by:
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS AND
MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
3 MARCH 2008
For more information, please contact:
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts
Quek Ai Choo
Assistant Director/Corporate Communications
Tel: +65-6837 9841
Email: quek_ai_choo@mica.gov.sg
Media Development Authority
Jasmine Wong
Assistant Manager/Communications
Tel: +65 6837 9364
Email: jasmine_wong@mda.gov.sg
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