In the small village of Adawukwa Fianko, nestled in the Awutu Senya District of Ghana’s Central Region, lives an 84-year-old man named Ayetu. For the past five years, he has been grappling with visual impairment, due to an eye disease that has drastically altered his life. Once a dedicated farmer, he now relies on his 75-year-old wife, Adwoa, to tend to their farm and provide for them.
Ayetu’s journey with glaucoma began a decade ago when he first noticed problems with his vision. A visit to the hospital confirmed his fears: he was diagnosed with glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if untreated. The cost of the necessary eye drops was a heavy burden on his finances, often preventing him from attending his monthly check-ups. In desperation, he turned to herbal remedies, but his vision continued to deteriorate.
“From the year 2020 until 2022, I stopped visiting the hospital because of severe financial hardship that I faced,” Ayetu recalls. “My vision kept deteriorating until I became totally blind in my left eye, leaving me with a little vision in my right eye, which I depend on now.”
In 2022, a ray of hope appeared. Thanks to support from our generous donors, we introduced a program to provide free glaucoma medication for patients like Ayetu.
Ayetu shares his journey, reflecting on the moments that shaped his experience: “I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I started receiving these medications every month. The pain and tearing in my eyes have ceased, and the pressure in my eyes has stabilized. I probably would have lost the remaining vision in my right eye if not for the free glaucoma medication given to me every month.”
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which is essential for vision. This damage is often due to increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but with early detection and proper treatment, its progression can be slowed or even halted. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of glaucoma. If detected early, treatments such as medications, laser therapy or surgery can help slow or prevent further vision loss. Unfortunately, many people like Ayetu struggle to afford the necessary treatment.
As we observe World Glaucoma Week (March 9-15, 2025), we invite you to join us in making a difference. You can help more people like Ayetu by giving the Gift of Sight today. Please consider making a donation in honour of World Glaucoma Week.
Thank you to all our donors for your continued support. Your generosity changes lives and brings hope to those in need — For All The World To See!
With files from Dora Ewusi, Project Coordinator – Awutu Senya, Ghana
