As part of ongoing efforts to prevent avoidable blindness, a Glaucoma Awareness Initiative titled “Silent Thief of Sight: Glaucoma Awareness at Wards and OPDs” was conducted to educate patients and their attendants about glaucoma. This initiative aimed to take awareness beyond formal settings and directly to patients in wards and outpatient departments.

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left undetected. Through this programme, patients were sensitized to the importance of regular eye examinations, especially for individuals above 40 years of age and those with risk factors such as family history, diabetes, or prolonged steroid use.

Interactive sessions were conducted at the bedside and in waiting areas, where simple language and visual aids were used to explain the disease, its risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of adherence to treatment. Common myths were addressed, and patients were encouraged to undergo timely screening.