The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert Sinskey Eye Institute will treat 12,000 patients in 2011 and the Eye Institute’s lead ophthalmologist, Dr. Kefaylew, estimates 25% of his patients suffer some form of glaucoma.

“Glaucoma is a major problem in Ethiopia and other poor regions in Africa and is the leading source of permanent blindness,” said Dr. Alan Crandall, Senior Vice Chairman of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at the University of Utah. Dr. Crandall has made several trips to Africa to train local ophthalmologists and is a past ASCRS president.

“Surgery is the best option to treat glaucoma patients in those parts of the world where medical therapy is not an option. Pressure-reducing eye drops can cost $100 a month. That’s a typical yearly salary for the average Ethiopian, plus there are no pharmacies near the villages where these patients live.

“Most of the time the ophthalmologist gets only one opportunity to treat the patient and glaucoma surgery with post-surgical medication is the best approach in these instances,” he added.

The ASCRS Foundation is asking for donations to purchase instruments and equipment to diagnose and perform glaucoma surgery, along with post-surgical medications.

The ASCRS Foundation’s Robert Sinskey Eye Institute will treat over 12,000 patients in 2011. With a permanent facility and full-time staff of 10, the Sinskey Eye Institute provides everything from basic eyecare to phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

The foundation relies upon the contributions of industry and individual ophthalmologists to support its on-going mission in Ethiopia. 

To help with the foundation’s 2011 Surgical Glaucoma Treatment Initiative, visit: www.eyedonate.org