Creighton Offers Free Glaucoma Screenings in January

Creighton University’s Office of Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs (HS-MACA) will celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month in January with free eye screenings.

“An estimated 2.5 million Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half don’t know that they suffer from the disease,” said Sade Kosoko-Lasaki, M.D., Creighton professor of surgery (ophthalmology) and associate vice president for health sciences. “Early detection is critical in treating glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of blindness in this country.”

The 20-minute screenings will include tests for visual clarity, visual field, and intraocular pressure measurement. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, call 402.280.3964.

Since 2001, HS-MACA has reached out to populations that are at particular risk of developing glaucoma, including African Americans and Hispanics, through free eye screenings and educational programs and materials.

Hispanics and African Americans over the age of 40; all individuals 65 and older; people with hypertension, diabetes or family histories of glaucoma; and those who have experienced a serious eye injury are at higher risk of glaucoma. Kosoko-Lasaki said “at-risk individuals should have complete eye exams at least every one to two years.”

The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation in New York helps support Creighton’s glaucoma programs.