18 Oct 2008: Talk on Coping with Glaucoma

Join us at our Glaucoma Patient Forum on:

Coping with Glaucoma - You are not alone!

at:

Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Conference Room 1 & 2 (Level 1)

Date: 18 October 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 2pm to 4pm

For more details see: FORUM


Yahoo! Search on the top 10 Hits: The World's most talked about events at the moment.

COPING WITH GLAUCOMA
An important element in coping with glaucoma is learning techniques you can do for yourself. ... Author, Coping With Glaucoma ...www.therubins.com/illness/glaucoma.htm - Cached
Edith Marks and Jason Marks, Authors
Coping with Glaucoma ... Reviews: COPING WITH GLAUCOMA " ... Coping With Glaucoma....contains a wealth of information, both basic and ...www.booksbymarks.com/edith/glaucoma.htm - Cached
Glaucoma Service Foundation: Coping With Glaucoma Chat Highlights
Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness provides glaucoma information on diagnosing, testing and treating ... "Coping ... Coping with Glaucoma by ...www.willsglaucoma.org/supportgroup/20021218.php - Cached
Glaucoma Support Group : Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent ...
Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness provides glaucoma information on ... GlaucoMates share tips about living and coping with glaucoma. Need help? ...www.willsglaucoma.org/support.htm - Cached
Coping with Glaucoma
Coping with Glaucoma. Author: Edith Marks and Rita Mountauredes. ISBN: 089529804X ... book highlights medications and procedures used to treat and diagnose glaucoma. ...www.healthywomen.org/resources/books/dbbooks/copingwithglaucoma - 88k - Cached
[PDF]
Coping with glaucoma - you are not alone!
248k - Adobe PDF - View as html
A patient forum in English on. Coping with glaucoma - you are not alone! ... glaucoma patients & caregivers. PLACE: Conference Rooms 1 & 2 (next to. Theatrette) ...www.singapore-glaucoma.org/ftp/18Oct_final.pdf
Welcome to Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore)
Singapore Glaucoma Patients Association ... organising a glaucoma patient forum, Theme: Coping with glaucoma - you are not alone! ...www.singapore-glaucoma.org - Cached
NIHSeniorHealth: Coping with Glaucoma
Video: "Coping with Glaucoma" A man with glaucoma is able to preserve much of his vision ... Video: "Coping with Glaucoma" A man with glaucoma is able to ...nihseniorhealth.gov/glaucoma/treatment/video/glauc2.html - Cached
MEDICARE EYE SURGERY GLAUCOMA GLAUCOMA SURGERY GLAOCOMA ...
Why wait for Cataract,Glaucoma, Lens Implants or laser eye surgery when ... "Coping with Glaucoma" discusses the different types of glaucoma, the connections ...www.icaremedicare.com/glaucoma.htm - Cached
Glaucoma: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com
Glaucoma — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of this eye condition that threatens vision. ... Coping and support. Prevention. Symptoms ...www.mayoclinic.com/health/glaucoma/DS00283/DSECTION=symptoms - Cached

quarter of a million people with undiagnosed Glaucoma in the UK

Letter to Editors from Sir Trevor McDonald OBE
Are You 1 in Half a Million?
There are half a million people in the UK with Glaucoma, half of
whom don't know they have the condition and are at risk of losing
their sight unnecessarily. Untreated, Glaucoma leads to
irreversible sight loss; if caught early enough Glaucoma can be
treated, preventing sight loss.
Thursday 6th March is the first World Glaucoma Day. Organisations
such as the Glaucoma Alliance UK are raising awareness of
Glaucoma, what it does to sight and how it might affect you.
So, are you one of the quarter of a million people with
undiagnosed Glaucoma in the UK? Without an eye test you won't
find out until it's too late, Glaucoma doesn't have any symptoms in
its early stages; people can lose up to 40% of their sight before
they realise they have a problem.
Many people are entitled to receive free eye tests. People who are
over 40 and have a close relative with Glaucoma, have diabetes,
are aged 60 or over, who live in Scotland or who themselves or
their partner receive benefits, family credit, pension credit, are all
entitled.
Don't delay, make 6th March, World Glaucoma Day, the day that
you find out if you are 1 in half a million, get an eye test.
Yours faithfully,
Sir Trevor McDonald OBE

WGD: Posters Display

WGD: Glaucoma Vision

An eye-catching simulation of vision through an eye with advanced, early, or no defects from glaucoma, together with a short explanation of the brain's visual processes leading to these perceptions (submitted by Dr A. Hoste from Belgium and prof. A. Safran from Switzerland)

Glaucoma Vision
A short explanation on the way the brain perceives images from eyes with glaucomatous damage
The images represent the visual field of a left eye. The corresponding results of the visual field test (where blind areas are represented in black) are embedded in the images. A normal test always shows one blind spot: where the optic nerve is attached to the back of the eye, there is no retina and consequently no light perception. Yet, we do not perceive this blind spot because our brain is able to fill it in with colours and patterns from the surrounding areas. The brain uses visual information received from adjacent parts of the image to achieve this.
In the same way, the brain conceals damage caused by glaucoma. In the image representing an early stage of glaucoma, the eye looks to the fixation point in the centre. It does not see the children because they are practically completely located in the blind area. Still you are unaware of any visual problem, due to the filling-in process. Even in a later stage of the disease, the brain is still able to compose a plausible image. The deformations in the periphery remain unnoticed because you are unable to fix your eye on them. You are always looking at the centre of the image, and when you shift your gaze to the periphery, the deformations move with it.


References
Safran AB, Landis T. Plasticity in the adult visual cortex: implications for the diagnosis of visual field defects and visual rehabilitation. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 1996; 7:53-64.
Ramachandran VS, Gregory RL. Perceptual filling in of artificially induced scotomas in human vision.
Nature 350:699-702, 1991.
Das A, Gilbert CD. Long-range horizontal connections and their role in cortical reorganization revealed by optical recording of cat primary visual cortex. Nature 375:780-4, 1995.

Prissy Place: iprissy.com

Great!, everybody is wrting about the 1st World Glaucoma Day in Singapore. Generating increased awareness in glaucoma is the way ...... thank you.

http://iprissy.com/lifestyle/world-glaucoma-day-6-march-2008/

World Glaucoma Day: Glaucoma among Malays, Chinese among the highest in the world

ChannelNewsAsia: World Glaucoma Day in Singapore - Glaucoma among Malays, Chinese among the highest in the world

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080306/5/singapore333338.html

Tan Tock Seng Hospital/SAVH: "Dining in the Dark" raises public awareness, provides work opportunities for the blind

"Dining in the Dark" raises public awareness, provides work opportunities for the blind

Glaucoma is among the top three causes of blindness in Singapore, so the SAVH is running a shorter version of the "Dining in the Dark" programme at Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Saturday as part of World Glaucoma Day.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/332890/1/.html

Glaucoma rate among Malays, Chinese among highest in the world

SINGAPORE : The prevalence of glaucoma among Malays and Chinese here is among the highest in the world. A survey found that it affects 3.2 percent of Chinese and 3.4 percent of Malay Singaporeans, aged 40 and above.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/333338/1/.html

AsiaOne Health: How glaucoma can make you blind in as little as 2 weeks

NUH-GPAS World Glaucoma Day: Public Forum at the Central on 8th March 2008
350 people attended the 2 sessions held in English and Mandarin

The Forum Program


Q&A Session at NUH-GPAS WGD Public Forum on 8 March

What an audience!, some standing for 2 hours to learn more.

Joyce was a hit with the audience of 200 people (Mandarin session)

The GPAS committee beneath a WGD Poster as backdrop


"If detected early, and controlled, it should not affect a person's work life," said Prof Aung.
The lack of public education has prompted organisers of the first World Glaucoma Day, held worldwide tomorrow, to reach out to the public, with talks at venues such as the Alexandra and National University hospitals and the SNEC.

http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20080305-52808.html

The NUH-GPAS World Glaucoma Day Public Forum at the Central on 8th March 2008 which attracted close to 350 people is one such collaborative efforts between hospitals and patient support groups for increasing awareness of glaucoma to the public and sufferers.
On 29th March 2008 the Glaucoma Patients Association will assist the National University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology where over 250 pairs of eyes would be screened.

Another hospital, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital collaborated with the Glaucoma Society (Singapore) where 325 people were screened for signs of glaucoma.

Other talks and eye screenings were conducted by the Singapore National Eye Centre, Alexandra Hospital and the Jurong Medical Centre.

AsiaOne Health: You don't have to go blind

The common causes of avoidable blindness include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.


http://health.asiaone.com/Health/Wellness%2B%2540%2BWork/Story/A1Story20080109-44265.html

AsiaOne Health: No pain, no symptoms, then you get Blind

Angle closure glaucoma

Chinese women who are gettting older may also be at a higher risk compared to their male counterparts, said Dr Jovina See, a consultant ophthalmologist and head of glaucoma services at the National University Hospital.

http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20080305-52803.html

Public Forum on 8 March @ Central: FULL HOUSE

submitted by Dr M Javier Gonzalez Rodriguez from Vigo (Spain)

NUH-GPAS World Glaucoma Day Public Forum:
8 March 2008 at The Central


We like to thank the public for their overwhelming support of our Event this Saturday on 8th March at the Central.

All seats for the forum in both the English & Mandarin Sessions have been taken up.

We will not be able to accept any walk-in participants on the day itself.

NUH-GPAS World Glaucoma Day Public Forum at The Central on 8 March 2008

PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS REMAINING SEATS ARE VERY FEW (LESS THAN 30 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE) - 5TH mARCH 2008

A partnership with Allergan: DON'T TURN A BLIND EYE TO GLAUCOMA - Detection is your best protection

SAVH joins in the World Glaucoma Day Event [Click Here]

SAVH joins in the World Glaucoma Day Event

In conjunction with World Glaucoma Day 2008

8 March 2008 (Saturday)

In Singapore, Glaucoma is one of the top 3 causes of blindness in adults over 40 years of age.

The key to prevention of blindness is Early Detection.

Eye screening, Talks will be conducted at Tan Tock Seng Hospital by our Eye Specialists. In addition, come join us to experience what is it like to be visually handicapped at our “Dine in the Dark” segment!

WGD Newsletter - 6th Feb 2008 ...[click here]

Local Events Highlight

In Singapore, the GPAS (Glaucoma Patient Association of Singapore)and the Singapore WGD Committee are organizing an impressive number of activities: Screening events at four different Hospitals, some for the entire week; a high-visibility event at the Health Promotion Board; fliers, posters, banners to be distributed nation-wide in Singapore. Find out more from the Guide to WGD Events in Singapore on the GPAS website

First World Glaucoma Day Observance Ceremony on 6th March 2008

Members who are interested to attend please R.S.V.P by fax or email by 29 February 2008
Fax: 6227-7290 or Email: ravi.chandran@snec.com.sg

World Glaucoma Day - Participating Countries

TTSH Public Forum on 8 March 2008

TTSH Public Forum on 8 March 2008

Time Activity

8.30 am Start of Screening

9.30 am – 10.15am Public Talk 1 (details to refer to point 3)
- Patient Experience Sharing (10mins)
- 2 topics to be delivered by 2 doctors (10mins each)
- Q & A (15 mins)

10.30am Opening Ceremony - Opening Address by CEO / CMB (5mins)
- Patient Experience Sharing (10mins)

11.30am – 12.15pm Public Talk 2
- Patient Experience Sharing (10mins)
- 2 topics to be delivered by 2 doctors (10mins each)
- Q & A (15 mins)

12.30pm End of whole event

World Glaucoma Day Public Forum - 8 March 2008

For on-line registration : http://www.singapore-glaucoma.org/files/WGD2008/NUH_GPAS_Forum.html8/NUH_GPAS_Forum.html

GPAS Support Group Session on 16 February 2008

first ever World Glaucoma Day

March 6th, 2008 will be the first ever World Glaucoma Day (WGD), a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) & the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA).

Because glaucoma is a progressive disease causing irreversible visual loss, usually without warning until relatively advanced, and because 50% of affected people in the developed world (up to 90% in developing countries) do not know that they have the disease and are therefore not on treatment, community awareness needs to be significantly increased. This includes awareness of the disease and of the need to have regular eye checks, thereby permitting earlier detection and avoidance of what should be preventable visual disability.

This is the ultimate Goal of the World Glaucoma Day: To enhance global glaucoma awareness through novel as well as through traditional or novel communication strategies and events.

Rather than have a single large event held in conjunction with a major Ophthalmic conference, World Glaucoma Day was designed to be the sum total of local activities aiming at increasing glaucoma awareness, such as newspaper articles, radio and television coverage, public glaucoma "screening" campaigns in public places and "open-door" days at glaucoma clinics and departments of ophthalmology. Hundreds of activities have been planned around the World.

World Glaucoma Day - 6 March 2008 (click)

World Glaucoma Day in Singapore

GPAS will observe with their partners the 1st World Glaucoma Day on 6th March 2008 at The Giving Place (NVPC- National Volunteer & Philantropy Centre), The Central #04-88, Clarke Quay. The observation ceremony will start at 6.00pm.

A week-long poster exhibition on Glaucoma starting 3rd March till 8th March will be displayed at the Level 4 Gallery of the Giving Place.

Talks on glaucoma are scheduled for:

6th March 2008 6pm to 8pm - Opening Ceremony: Observation of World Glaucoma Day in Singapore - invited guests, media representatives and glaucoma-related industries & organisations (there are limited seats for public attendance)

8th March 2008 10am to 12 noon - Talks on glaucoma in English (open to public - 150 seats available)

8th March 2008 2pm to 4pm - Talks on glaucoma in Mandarin (open to public - 150 seats available)

Location Plan of the Giving Place

By the side of the Singapore River

The beautiful facade of The Central

See you at the World Glaucoma Day in Singapore

GPAS launched on November 24, 2007

More photos: click title header

GPAS Launch on November 24

The GLAUCOMA PATIENTS ASSOCIATION (SINGAPORE) will be launched on

November 24, 2007
8.30 to 11.30am
National University Hospital Auditorium

for details see: http://www.singapore-glaucoma.org/Forums/GPAS_Launch.html

GPAS at the Total Eyecare Festival - 11 to 14 Oct 2007

The Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore) made full use of the space at the Festival to bring awareness of glaucoma to some 50,000 visitors to the event. Almost 1000 pairs of eyes were screened for eye diseases. Talks from eye professionals and specialists gave talks on glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, use of eye glasses, myopia.

GPAS had the opportunity of meeting various professionals in the eyecare community - from ophthalmologists, community leaders, optometrists, nurses etc.

http://www.singapore-glaucoma.org/Forums/AlconTEF_Oct07.html

GPAS - Our 1st 40 days

Oct 10, 2007

Our 1st 40 DAYS

Dear Friends,

During the first 40 days since our inception on Aug 30, 2007, my Committee and I have worked relentlessly to get the support of our glaucoma patients and the related local and international groups.

GPAS is pleased to advise you that our Association is on the AIGPO International Listing (Association of International Glaucoma Patient Organisations). The AIGPO was recently renamed World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA). The listing is significantly beneficial to us as 6.5% of our total website traffic originated from the AIGPO website. This augers well for the interest shown to GPAS internationally. Our Mission of: Building support to maintain quality and independent living for those with glaucoma is in total agreement with the WGPA's Mission of: Working to better the lives of glaucoma patients worldwide.

Locally we are on the NVPC Listing in Singapore.

We are profoundly encouraged by the strong endorsements the international community have shown to GPAS .....

WGPA Exec. Vice-Chair Prof. George Lambrou messaged us: "Let me send you my best wishes for a thriving GPAS that will make a difference in the well-being and sight preservation of its members."

WGA President, Prof. Ivan Goldberg responded: "Yes indeed, Sam - congratulations and well done.You're moving ahead very nicely. Good luck!"

From Wills Glaucoma, Prof. Richard Wilson: " Congratulations, Sam. That is great news and Dr. Chew will be an excellent and wise advocate for you. Rick Wilson."

GPAS made her first public appearance at the NUH EYE CARE SEMINAR on Sep 29 where we had a booth to showcase our Association.

GPAS look forward to welcome you at the Total Eye Care Festival from 11 to 14 October 2007 at Marina Square Linkbridge Atrium from 11am to 9pm daily. GPAS will bring awareness of glaucoma message to the participating public. A walk through traffic of close to 50,000 can be expected for the 4-day festival.

Again, we hope to see you at the MDS Public Forum on EYE ALERT: What You Know May Save Your Sight on Oct 27 at Alexandra Hospital Auditorium. This is a collaborative effort of MDS & GPAS.

Next month, we will be celebrating the official GPAS Launch and Patient Forum on November 24 at National University Hospital Auditorium. All glaucoma patients and their caregivers are welcome. The membership fees for all eligible persons are waived till December 31, 2008.

All these events are on our website: www.singapore-glaucoma.org and more events will be added before the year ends.

Visit us daily - our website is on the move and seldom static!

We are looking forward to a great year in 2008!

Best regards,

Sam Fong
President
Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore)
website: http://www.singapore-glaucoma.org
email: glaucoma.patients@gmail.com

Alpha-C Support Group: Sam to retire to lead Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore)

Dear Alphacians and friends,

I like to inform you that a Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore)
has been registered on Aug 30, 2007 and that I am the founding
president of this association.

It was exactly a year ago in August 2006 that Alpha-C Support Group
was formed. In September 2006 Dr Jovina See became our first guest
speaker to share with us and was followed by other guests speakers
such as Mr Kua Cheng Hock, Dr. Sharon Siddique and we also conducted
our own in-house sessions. All in all we conducted 8 sharing sessions
and participated at the TTSH Public Forum, the National Eye Care Day
and the SNEC Support Group launch.

All our activities were self-funded by well-wishers from within
Alpha-C Support Group and as such we were able to include other
glaucoma patients not affiliated to any societies to participate in
our group activities free of charge. 12 months seems a short time but
Alpha-C Support Group became the catalyst to many patient groups to
emerge this year. In a small way we provided the impetus for SNEC
Glaucoma Support Group to revitalize itself. The executive committee
of the Macular Degeneration Society launched in June 2007 acknowledged
that Alpha-C will be the early model it will adopt before evolving its
own model. The Alpha-C experiment has paid dividend again with the
formation of the Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore) on August
18, 2007 and approved by ROS on Aug 30, 2007.

Having lead Alpha-C Support Group for 12 months, I have decided to
allow myself to retire as there is now a patients association
dedicated to cater for the needs of the glaucoma sufferers. As I am
president of GPAS there is duplication in conducting sharing sessions
for both groups. As GPAS will outgrow Alpha-C Support Group (it being
a cell group) I welcome alphacians to attend our sharing sessions in
the interim until they are able to find suitable alternative
arrangements which they feel comfortable with. If there is a member
who like to continue with the work at Alpha-C, I will be most
delighted.

At Alpha-C we had never looked at membership as a key requisite for
participation in our programs but on the principle whether glaucoma
sufferers will benefit from the programs. Thus GPAS will extend this
similar arrangement to alphacians in the interim 3 to 6 months.

Details of GPAS future activities will be featured on their website at
http://www.singapore-glaucoma.org

If you need to contact me on GPAS matters my email address is:
glaucoma.patients@gmail.com otherwise the present email will continue
to be appropriate.

This is not "goodbye" for we will certainly meet at other functions.

Many fond memories and warmest regards,
Sam Fong
Group Leader
Alpha-C Support Group

Glaucoma Patients Association (Singapore)

On August 18,2007 a first General Meeting was held and the following members were elected to hold the respective offices in the GLAUCOMA PATIENTS ASSOCIATION (SINGAPORE)


OFFICE BEARERS: 2007-2009
PRESIDENT SAM FONG
VICE-PRESIDENT TAN LIAN TECK
SECRETARY CHANG BOON SENG
TREASURER RONALD TAN

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. CHRIS TAN
RICHARD TAN HUAN CHENG
RAYMOND L C TAN
DANNY GOH
Ms. WONG HOW LEEN, ROSALEEN

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ms. ANNY LEOW
Ms. WENDY KHON

HONORARY ADVISER
PROFESSOR PAUL CHEW

HONORARY GROUP ADVISERS
GLAUCOMA SURGEONS (SINGAPORE)

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
SINGAPORE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
ALCON

REGISTERED OFFICE
BLOCK 409, #01-303
SERANGOON CENTRAL
SINGAPORE 550409

The World Glaucoma Congress in Singapore

SPEECH BY DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN,MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS AND SECOND MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS, AT WORLD GLAUCOMA CONGRESS, 18 JULY 2007, 3.00 PM AT SUNTEC CONVENTION CENTRE BALLROOM

Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan said: "I am glad that the Association of International Glaucoma Patient Organisations is also represented here today. It is fitting that the perspective of patients is upheld in the midst of the high science that we are here to share and celebrate. After all, it is the patients’ welfare that is our ultimate index of success."

Alpha-C Support Group welcomes the Minister's speech on the importance of the patient in the search of excellence in glaucoma. We are glad that we have Anny Leow as the sole representative of Singapore in the AIGPO discussions and deliberations.

From AFB Senior Site

Are you experiencing problems with your peripheral or side vision? Do you have to turn your head to see what's to your immediate right or left?[IMAGE]-->
It might be... Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition that involves an elevation in pressure inside the eye caused by a build-up of excess fluid. Left untreated, this pressure can impair vision by causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve and, eventually, blindness. Glaucoma results in peripheral vision loss, and is an especially dangerous eye condition because it frequently progresses without obvious symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as "the sneak thief of sight."
There is no cure for glaucoma, although it can be treated. The damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, lowering the pressure in the eye can prevent further damage to the optic nerve and further peripheral vision loss.
Still, early detection, appropriate and ongoing treatment, and the availability of specialized low vision and vision rehabilitation services can help people with glaucoma live productive and satisfying lives. Starting as early as age 35, a pressure check for glaucoma should be an essential part of your annual routine eye examination. A visual field test will detect peripheral vision loss.
Glaucoma at a Glance:
Affects more than 3 million people living in the United States.
Is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans, who should begin glaucoma tests as early as age 35.
Is caused by increased pressure in the eye due to a buildup of excess fluid.
Results in a loss of peripheral or side vision, which affects your ability to move about safely.
May also affect reading, as loss of visual field may result in being able to read only one word at a time.
Can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve if left undetected and untreated.
Is particularly dangerous to your vision because there are usually no noticeable symptoms at first.
Possible Signs of Glaucoma:
There are various types of glaucoma that can occur and progress without obvious symptoms or signs. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common, and symptoms are slow to develop. As this types of glaucoma progresses, you may notice that your side, or peripheral, vision is failing, causing you to miss objects out of the side and corner of your eye.
If you are suddenly experiencing the following symptoms, you may have angle-closure glaucoma and should seek immediate treatment:
Blurred vision
Nausea
Headaches
Halos around bright lights
For More Information:
National Eye Institute. Eye Disease Simulations. See what a photo looks like to people with a variety of eye conditions. Includes information in Spanish.
http://www.nei.nih.gov/photo/sims/index.asp
Vision Simulator. An interactive tool that demonstrates progressive vision loss.
http://www.visionsimulator.com/default.asp-->
National Eye Institute. Eye health information.
National Eye Institute. Eye health information in Spanish.
The Glaucoma Foundation
Glaucoma Support Groups.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Glaucoma information in Spanish.
Association of International Glaucoma Patient Organizations
Prevent Blindness America. The Glaucoma Learning Center.
Glaucoma Research Foundation.
American Glaucoma Society.
MedlinePlus. Glaucoma.

10 Useful Tips for your next visual field test

Most of us take 2 or 3 visual field tests a year. Each time we need to mentally try to recollect how we did it the previous time.
Here for the first time a properly documented step-by-step procedure is laid out for us.

Thanks to Dr. Leonard Yip who has taken the time and trouble to document the "10 Useful Tips for your next visual field test."
Very few will realize that they need to take proper rest before the test. If our response is not a split second from a cue we would often give the reply a pass (now we know we still have time upon seeing the light - a few seconds to respond). What is little known is that you can stop the VF machine if you feel uncomfortable.

For the 10 TIPS click the title bar of this posting

Neuroprotection and Glaucoma: Questions and Answers from Dr. Moses Chao

For quite some years we've been hearing about neuroprotection. Some glaucoma eyedrops are even said to have neuroprotective properties - so is the effective protection of the optic nerves anywhere near and available?

What is neuroprotection and how does it apply to glaucoma treatment?

Neuroprotection is a broad term to cover any therapeutic strategy to prevent nerve cells called neurons from dying, and it usually involves an intervention, either a drug or treatment. There is significant amount of scientific work that is currently going on in this area, but much more research is needed to identify the best pathways to target for neuroprotection. - Dr. Moses Chao, Glaucoma Research Foundation

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.glaucoma.org/treating/neuroprotection.html

A Guide to Sunglasses from GRF

A Guide to Sunglasses
Glaucoma can make eyes highly sensitive to light and glare, with some glaucoma medications exacerbating the problem even further. Sunglasses are an easy solution that makes life more comfortable when outdoors, while also providing critical protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage the eye’s surface as well as its internal structures, sometimes contributing to cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the macula). Ophthalmologists and optometrists now recommend wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun long enough to get a suntan or a sunburn, especially if you live at a high elevation or near the equator.
The good news is that sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to protect your eyes and they can often be found at the local drugstore. Unfortunately, a high price is not always a guarantee of high quality and protection. Part of the difficulty is that standards and labeling regarding UV protection are voluntary, not mandatory—and can be confusing.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for sunglasses:http://www.glaucoma.org/living/a_guide_to_sung.html

Alpha-C Support Group cheers the CHIEF for receiving this year's EYE & VISION HEALTH AWARD

Wherever there are glaucoma support groups in Singapore, Anny Leow is there and actively participating, promoting and encouraging patients to be vigilant in glaucoma care. She personifies the spirit of self-help patient-initiated groups - a growing movement in Singapore.
Alpha-C Support Group is proud that our Chairwoman has received recognition this year as one of the ten recipients of the EYE & VISION HEALTH AWARDS. The awards wil be presented at the 6th National Congress of Optometry and Opticianry.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF! Our thanks & congratulations!

ALPHA-CARE for YOU
Alpha-C Support Group

Alpha-C Support Group congratulates Er. John Tan on his Award at NCOO

Members of Alpha-C Support Group congratulates the President of Glaucoma Society (Singapore) on his receiving the Eye and Vision Health Award.

inaugural SNEC Glaucoma Patient Support Group Meeting

GLAUCOMA PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETING


Talk on
Importance of Eye Drop Compliance in Glaucoma Care
(in English)

The Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) Glaucoma Patient Support Group is a non-profit, self-help group which aims to help patients and their families cope with glaucoma. Through regular meetings and activities, it will help patients achieve a more holistic approach to the management of glaucoma thereby leading to improvement in their quality of life.

As a start, we have organised a meeting on 26th May 2007 with a theme on “importance of eye drop compliance in glaucoma care”. This theme was chosen because we feel strongly that eye drop compliance is a small but crucial step to achieving better care. Hence, it is important that patient and their families understand what medication compliance is all about.

We sincerely hope that you and / or your family members will join us for this get-together.

Saturday, 26 May 2007

9.30am – 11.00am * Auditorium – Level 4, SNEC

Registration is FREE

For catering purpose, please confirm your attendance with
SNEC Public Relations Department
Tel: 6322 8370 / 74 / 94 or Email: meet@snec.com.sg

Public Forums in May 2007

Please click on the title above to view public forums organised by the various hospitals in the month of May 2007.

Alpha-C Sharing Session on 14th April 2007

Forum 29th April 2007 : Blindness from Diabetes can be Prevented

TTSH Glaucoma Forum - 28th April 2007

6th National Congress of Optometry & Opticianry... 21-23 June 2007 @ Alexandra Hospital

Microglia important in glaucoma

From Glaucoma Research Foundation
Microglia important in glaucoma
The fate of ganglion cells is also controlled by other cells within the retina. The nervous system, including the retina, is thought to be the only place in the body that is not subject to surveillance by the immune system. To search for and deal with signs of trouble, the nervous system uses special cells named microglia. Recent evidence suggests that, while microglia are usually beneficial, in diseases of the nervous system they often end up doing more harm than good. The molecular profile of glaucoma that the CFC published in 2006 had strongly hinted that microglia might be important players in glaucoma. This year the CFC obtained strong evidence that microglia are involved both early in the disease, perhaps contributing to the slow progressive atrophy of retinal ganglion cells, as well as late in the disease, perhaps mediating the spread of the disease from focal to widespread. Needless to say, we viewed microglia as an important therapeutic target.

MACULAR DEGENERATION SOCIETY - SINGAPORE

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Building support to maintain independent living for those with central vision impairment.

The former AMD Support Group is now formally registered as the

MACULAR DEGENERATION SOCIETY

SINGAPORE

ROS Registration: 2049/2007

• President .... Er Sam Fong, Civil Engineer
• Secretary .... Dr Sharon Siddique, Sociologist
• Treasurer .... Mr Peh Shing Huei, Correspondent

The Society’s Objectives are:

1. To help patients diagnosed with Macular Degeneration (MD) and caregivers to form support groups and to discuss effective ways of coping with and managing this disease



2. The Society will focus on understanding the disease, adjustment needs and stress management issues related to MD



3. The Society recognises that peer support from people in similar situations is crucial to everyone coping with MD



4. The Society creates a platform for patients for collective dialogue with Health Care, Low Vision and Government Agencies for effective rehabilitation and independent living.

Website: http://www.amd-singapore.org

emails : admin@amd-singapore.org or amdsg.sg@gmail.com

New Technology at National University Hospital detects glaucoma, 3 to 6 years, ahead of its actual manifestation

Channel 8 10 O'clock News :Dr Jovina See, Head of Glaucoma Service at NUH, was interviewed in Chinese and discussed the new HRT Equipment and new state-of-the-art technology which are able to detect the initial on-set of glaucoma as early as 3 to 6 years ahead of its manifestation.

Glaucoma Society New Website Location

Please note that the

Glaucoma Society (Singapore) Website

is now located at :

http://www.ab-glaucoma-sin.org

GLAUCOMA PUBLIC FORUMS - MONTH OF APRIL 2007

GLAUCOMA FORUM @ ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL
Date: 21 April 2007
Time: 10.00 to 12.00noon
Venue : Alexandra Hospital Auditorium
For registration and enquiries, please contact
Ms Alice How at 63793741 or email : Alice_How@alexhosp.com.sg

Glaucoma Public Forum @ Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Date: 28 April 2007
Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm
Venue: TTSH Theatrette, Level 1
Registration Fee: $5
For registration or enquiries, please contact
Ms Lim Sing Yong / Mr Eugene Kwek at 6357-2678 / 7736
or email: Sing_Yong_Lim@ttsh.com.sg

Alpha-C Sharing Session on 14th April 2007

Don't Fall Victim to the Silent Sneak Thief of Sight

GLAUCOMA CARE: LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD - A PATIENT'S HOPE
DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THE SILENT SNEAK THIEF OF SIGHT
by Sam Fong, Alpha-C Support Group, Glaucoma Society (Singapore)

We cannot ignore this well-known glaucoma statistic. For every one person diagnosed with glaucoma there is another person unsuspectingly suffering silently with the disease. Glaucoma is the silent sneak thief of sight. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Singapore has about 40,000 glaucoma sufferers, but only half have been detected and are receiving treatment. The burden of seeking a chance, early-stage prognosis of this virtually symptom-less (asymptomatic) disease rests with the sufferer. Glaucoma is defined by the slow progressive loss of visual field together with characteristic signs of damage to the optic nerve. By the time that the sufferer realizes that he has visual-function defects; glaucoma would have reached a fairly advanced stage, with optic nerve damage and extensive visual field loss.

As a patient with this condition, my hope is for our Health Care Authority to help us retain as much of our vision for as long as possible. Early detection and compliance to medication give us the best opportunities to preserve our sight. At present, there is no recommendation that primary health-care clinicians routinely screen for intraocular hypertension or glaucoma. But if we assume that there are an estimated 20,000 undetected glaucoma sufferers in Singapore, not to mention those suffering from other (undetected) degenerative eye conditions, then there may be a case for reconsidering the benefits of recommending routine screening.

For example, the 2002 Swedish study, Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial, concluded that with early detection the progression of the disease may be better managed and vision prolonged when treatment is started early. Educating the public, and specifically the patient, is paramount. Because there are no obvious early symptoms, unless the patient understands that early detection, diagnosis and treatment can make the difference, glaucoma will unfortunately remain “the silent sneak thief of sight.”

The good news is that the future holds great promise for the glaucoma patient. Medical research and technology continue to provide a better understanding of the disease and more precise tools for detection and monitoring. They provide:-

• A better understanding of the different types of glaucoma
• Improved detection methods
• More accurate, computerized visual field testing
• New and innovative laser and conventional surgical techniques

Once-a-day eye-drops such as the prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma introduced at the turn of this century and more combination-drops coming on stream will improve the problem of medication compliance through greater convenience to the patient. Improved and refined surgical techniques together with better understanding of pre- and post-operative care greatly reduced the risks of surgical failures.

From the patient’s perspective, we hope the future will bring more effective treatments for glaucoma than merely reducing Intra-ocular Pressure (IOP). We hope that breakthroughs in neuroprotection, which can safeguard the optic nerve, will not be too far away. Beyond that - Stem Cell Therapy for optic nerve regeneration may become a possibility. These will all enhance the prognosis of future patients to preserve their vision, if not “cure” their condition.

Is your IOP "good enough"?