AbbVie India and Sightsavers join forces to combat Glaucoma crisis

New Delhi: In a significant collaboration aimed at tackling the widespread issue of glaucoma, Sightsavers India and AbbVie Therapeutics India have teamed up to launch a joint campaign focusing on enhancing public awareness about the condition. Glaucoma, often overlooked but a leading cause of irreversible blindness in India, affects approximately 1.2 million individuals and contributes to 5.5% of total blindness cases.

The initiative seeks to address the urgent need for increased understanding and education about glaucoma risk factors, regular eye check-ups, and early detection and treatment. Over a span of 15 months, the campaign will employ a variety of offline and online activities, including national and regional consultations, glaucoma screening camps, digital outreach via a dedicated microsite and social media promotions, and educational jingles.

Speaking about the partnership, Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director of AbbVie India said, “AbbVie India is pleased to partner with Sightsavers India to advance public health, engage diverse audiences, and promote informed decision-making about glaucoma throughout India.

With prevalence rates of glaucoma ranging from 1.7% to 3.5% in individuals aged 40 and above and a staggering 75-80% of cases remaining undiagnosed, the urgency of our collaborative efforts cannot be overstated, and by addressing this, we can progress towards a future where sight loss is preventable and manageable.

Through this concerted campaign, we aim to bridge gaps in understanding and access to care, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in preserving their vision. By shining a spotlight on glaucoma, we aspire to foster a culture where eye health is prioritised, resulting in early detection and treatment.”

Echoing this sentiment, RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India said, “Our collaboration with AbbVie India signifies a pivotal step forward in our mission to initiate the conversation and enhance understanding surrounding glaucoma in India. With millions at risk of irreversible blindness due to undiagnosed cases, our joint efforts aim to shed light on the complexities of glaucoma, promoting increased awareness and early detection. Together, we strive to pave the path towards a future where every individual can safeguard their vision and enjoy a life unhindered by preventable sight loss.”