Glaucoma screening

A YEAR after he was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2005,Mr Chua Ni Yoke, 51, gave up his job as an information technology project manager to sell health supplements.

Staring at the computer screen 15 hours a day left his eyes tired, and he feared it would hasten his vision loss - a prospect that many people with glaucoma face.

He said: 'It's like waiting to go blind. I decided I needed to go on a lower gear, to prolong the time I have left.'

A support group, the Glaucoma Patients Association of Singapore, was set up four months ago to help patients like Mr Chua cope with the disease. It now counts more than 80 patients and caregivers as its members.

The association and the National University Hospital will hold a forum at the Central mall in Eu Tong Sen Street on Saturday, as part of events to mark the first World Glaucoma Day, which is today.

About 3.2 per cent of those over 40 here have glaucoma. As the population ages, more people are expected to be hit, said Dr Steve Seah, organising chairman of the events.

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged, causing loss of vision and blindness.

Smokers, diabetics and the elderly are at higher risk. There is no cure for now, but early detection means patients can be given eye drops or can undergo surgery to stave off vision loss.

This month, eye clinics and optical outlets will hold free talks and $5 eye screenings, which can cost up to $80 at private specialist clinics.

The organisers aim to encourage people over 40 to have their eyes checked, as there are often no symptoms before the disease hits.

Those interested can register with Alexandra, Changi General, National University and Tan Tock Seng hospitals; Singapore National Eye, Excellence Eye and Jurong Medical centres; Eye Clinic Singapura, Chua Eye Surgery and Singapore Polytechnic Optometry Centre.

(source: The Straits Times 6th Mar 2008)

My Comments:
I called up Jurong Medical Centre and Alexandra Hospital in the morning of 7th Mar. I was told "sorry, all fully booked".