Open Day for glaucoma testing on Wednesday
An open day will be held at health centres on Wednesday to encourage people to check whether they have the symptoms of glaucoma.
Health Minister Joseph Cassar said today - World Glaucoma Day - that this was a silent disease which could lead to total blindness unless treated. The government, therefore, was encouraging all those aged over 40 to have their eyes checked.
Ophthalmologist Martin Francalanza said glaucoma could be treated with a few eyedrops that would stop its progress, but the damage could not be reversed and it was therefore essential to catch it early.
Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. Last year, screening at health centres detected 755 cases. Screening takes some 10 minutes during which checks are made to blood pressure on the eyes and the optic nerve.
Checks will be carried out on Wednesday at the health centres of Floriana, Mosta, Qormi, Birkirkara, Gzira and Paola.
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C.Mercieca
Mar 12th 2010, 20:25
As the normal routine keeps on going like it did for previous years and it seems that it is STILL valid for this present time ....... Who knows Gozo? Do I know Gozo? What is the minister for gozo there for? Poor Gozo and the Gozitans. Always forgotten and am afraid to say it will stay forgotten even by our so called GOZO MINISTER!!!!
c tabone
Mar 12th 2010, 19:35
Gozitans are priviliged by some ministries and ignored by others. If I am not mistaken they were ALL given the opportunity of installing solar staff where as in malta only a specified ammount could apply.
M Xuereb
Mar 12th 2010, 16:27
Can I go after work or will they tell me the service was only available in the morning? I work in B'Kara. May I attend at the B'Kara polyclinic just along the road, rather than the one in Floriana which covers my village of residence but is completely out of the way for me? Family-friendly measures should take such matters into consideration, please.
John Portelli
Mar 12th 2010, 16:07
once again, the health authorities believe that gozitans dont get sick and they do not need to be tested for glaucoma. six testing stations in Malta and none in Gozo. Good work health minister.