SUMMARY

Glaucoma represents one of the main causes of preventable blindness in the adult population. To decrease the rates of blindness caused by glaucoma, the authors propose a strategy to be developed in arder to stimulate the early diagnosis of glaucoma in the community. This health plan requires a number of steps, including the recognition of the dimension of the problem, which can be accomplished through epidemiological research. Also, it is necessary to facilitate the access to the primary health care system, bringing the population closer to the ophthalmologist. Educating the population about glaucoma its risk factors, treatment, and consequences is another major goal of this health plan. Finally, the Universities should make efforts to provide general ophthalmologists permanently concerned about the eye care in the community. The development of such a health plan will certainly decrease the incidence of blindness caused by glaucoma.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Blindness; Prevention; Diagnosis; Education; Community