(Monrovia, Liberia, March 7, 2026)—The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with L V Prasad Eye Institute, has kicked off the commemoration of World Glaucoma Week, starting with an awareness walk through the principal streets of Monrovia.
Held under the global Theme: Uniting for a Glaucoma-free world, the World Glaucoma Week focuses on global collaboration to raise awareness, promote regular, comprehensive eye exams, and ensure early detection to prevent permanent vision loss from the “silent thief of sight”.
The parade gathered several eye care professionals and partners to intensify awareness on the impact of Glaucoma on the population and to encourage communities, families, and others to seek early detection that will support efforts in ensuring a Glaucoma-Free World.
Speaking during the parade, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female president, who joined participants to grace the occasion, appreciated the ministry’s efforts through JFK hospital in ensuring that Liberians remain healthy. She encouraged the population to seek regular remedies to their eye problems.
“Thank you for all that you do to keep the hospital going, you know I’m one of your patients, I do my eye test all the time. And to all of you who have agreed to do this, may you help others to make sure that they too can seek a remedy for their problems to help them have a full life to enable them make better contributions in society “
Dr. Molly Goe, the Director of eye health Unit at the Ministry of health encouraged the general public to seek regular eye checkups to ensure early detection, which is key.
“Glaucoma is a ill reversible eye condition, it develops slowly and silently, we need you to make use of opportunities available in country, if your eyes are giving problems, go to eyes professionals for proper checkups to check your eyes., don’t go to any side clinic, also check your eyes at least once a year because Glaucoma develops silently,” he said.
Dr. Vickie Fayiah Sam, Head of the Liberia Eye Center at JFK- Operated by L V Prasad Eye Institute, noted that Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight that cannot be cured, and as such, the awareness is there to make sure that people stay on the alert for early detection.
“We want to make sure people know about it because the thing about Glaucoma is that it cannot be cured, however it can be treated, so it is very important that it be detected early. We also have free screening ongoing now at JFK from the 8-14, we want you to make use of the opportunity,” she noted
The ongoing free screening is being sponsored by the LV Prasad Eye Institute, currently operating the Liberia Eye Center at JFK.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually because of high pressure inside the eye. It can slowly cause vision loss, especially side vision, and may lead to blindness if not treated. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further vision damage. Getting regular eye and optic nerve checks, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history To reduce preventable blindness by detecting the disease early, as it often has no symptoms until significant damage occurs.