Mbarara university of Science and technology (MUST) launched the
glaucoma treatment centre at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
The centre was supported by Christian Blind Mission.

The two trillion shillings grant through the university will see people from the
districts of Kabarole, Fort Portal, Kamwengye, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa,
Kyitagwenda, Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibuyo and other areas benefit from
the services.

Dr.Simon Alunga, from Mbarara University of Science and Technology
says equipment have already been brought to the facility to enable in
the treatment of the condition.

Described as a silent thief of sight by the Ophthalmologists, Glaucoma
is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve which sends
visual information from the eye to the brain.
But what causes glaucoma?According to Dr. Beatrice it is important to have regular eye exams
that include measurements of eye pressure and if glaucoma is
recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented.

Dr.Kaliisa Oscar Kyebambe, the deputy hospital director Fort Portal
Regional Referral hospital says few people are aware that the disease
exists and called for more awareness to the members of the public
about it.

The National Health Medical Information system report data collected
between October 2020 and October 2021 indicates that Busoga Sub-region
has the highest number of visually impaired people with some being the
result of glaucoma.
The magnitude of visual impairment in the region stands at 13 per cent
compared to 4.6 per cent in other areas.

The Ophthalmology Society of Uganda also indicates that more than
400,000 people in Uganda have visual impairment because of treatable
and preventable conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic
retinopathy.