Glaucoma Awareness among Patients at Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology in Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Narhe, Pune

PURPOSES/ OBJECTIVES: The objectives include exploring, describing and comparing level of awareness of glaucoma among the study sample and determine need for raising new strategies and information, education and communication (IEC) model for increasing awareness of disease and prevent glaucoma related visual impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional survey was conducted from 15 April to 15 June in adult male and female patients attending outpatient department of Ophthalmology of Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Narhe, Pune. Data on demographics and awareness of glaucoma were collected through face to face interview using semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: 2500 people participated in study.1500 people (60 %) were males.1000 people (40 %) were females.1950 people ( 78 %) were illiterate.710 people ( 28.4) were employed. Only 55 people ( 2.2 %) were aware of glaucoma. Significant association was found between employment, attaining high school or better education and awareness of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Awareness of glaucoma in this population is very low. An efficient information, education and communication ( IEC) needs to be designed to increase knowledge of people about glaucoma so that early diagnosis and treatment of individuals with this condition may be possible.