AFRO-NETS> Summary - African Optometrists in Glaucoma Screening and Management

[Frank Magupa <optonews_africa@hotmail.com>]

Summary - African Optometrists in Glaucoma Screening and Management
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"A key question to make: Are Optometrists in Africa concerned with 
glaucoma detection and management?"

Neo B.

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Contributions:

1. In Tanzania a basic Optometric practice does not include a slit 
lamp, but all cases suspected to have any indication of glaucoma must 
be referred to Ophthalmologist or Assistant medical officer Ophthal-
mology.

2. I propose membership to the International Glaucoma Association of 
the UK, which I found very beneficial especially in terms of latest 
developments.

3. In UK, all patients over the age of 40 are almost compulsorily 
bound for a glaucoma test whenever they see their Optician, why not 
us?

4. It is my feeling and actually in reality that Optometrists in Af-
rica are highly concerned on this aspect.

5. Africa ethnicity has been found to be among the risk factors for 
primary open angle glaucoma.

6. Low rate of detection in Tanzania is more like more to do with 
poor screening methods and lack of equipment rather than a low preva-
lence of the disease itself.

7. We do need equipment at affordable prices to be able to equip our 
optometrists.

8. Tanzania Optometric Association, should invite companies that are 
involved the in the retailing of ophthalmic equipment to attend this 
year's AGM with the view that they will be able to supply (possibly 
second hand) equipment. 

10. The importance of incorporating VOTS is to enable optometrists to 
take part in the move to improve visual and eye health and to pre-
serve vision.

11. Estimation of depth of anterior chamber by oblique illumination 
using an ordinary examination torch has been widely used. It provides 
an optometrist with enough information to consider a referral.

12. Glaucoma is a major public health problem everywhere in the 
world.

- Further views are welcome.

--
Frank Magupa
mailto:optonews_africa@hotmail.com


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