07/21/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAN AFRICAN GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL 2ND BIENNIAL CONFERENCE IN LAGOS, FOCUSING ON ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, AND TRANSFORMATION
LAGOS, NIGERIA – July 20, 2026 – The Pan African Glaucoma Association (PAGA) successfully convened its 2nd Biennial Conference from July 16-18, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Hosted by the Glaucoma Society of Nigeria, the conference brought together leading ophthalmologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the globe to address the growing burden of glaucoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.
With Africa and the Pan African community bearing the highest rates of the disease, the conference theme, “Advocate, Educate and Transform,” underscored the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and advanced treatment options across the continent.
Cutting-Edge Science and Technology
Scientific sessions featured robust discussions on the latest advancements in glaucoma care. A significant highlight was artificial intelligence screening for glaucoma and the introduction of the free online desktop-accessible Laroche Glaucoma Risk Calculator, a tool designed to aid patients, allied health personnel and clinicians in early risk assessment. Experts emphasized the critical importance of annual eye examinations and confirmed that definitive diagnosis relies on a combination of gonioscopy, optic nerve evaluation, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and advanced visual field testing.
The conference also showcased the latest surgical innovations. Sessions covered the benefits of uncomplicated early cataract surgery combined with Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), as well as Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) to lower intraocular pressure, improve vision, and reduce patient medication burden. For patients with advanced glaucoma, the latest techniques in trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and novel retrobulbar procedures were presented by leading experts.
Government Commitment to Eye Health
The conference was honored by the presence of distinguished government and institutional leaders. Representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, was an official delegate, while Chief Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, delivered special remarks and pledged her continued support and advocacy in the fight against glaucoma-related blindness. A representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to equitable access to quality eye care, particularly through the implementation of the state health insurance scheme, Ìlèra Èkó. Also in attendance was Dr. Oteri Eme Okolo, National Coordinator of the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Program, who emphasized the urgent need for sustained governmental investment in eye health globally, underscoring the economic and social burden of preventable blindness. Institutional leadership was equally well represented, including the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, who called for strengthened collaboration with the Pan African Glaucoma Association in addressing the “PÁGÀ” of glaucoma blindness, and Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee and Director of Clinical Services and Training at LASUTH.
A Note of Thanks
The Pan African Glaucoma Association President Dr. Daniel Laroche (Haiti, USA) extended its profound gratitude to Dr. Bola Adekoya (Nigeria) and the local member organizing committee, Dr. Sola Olawoye, Vice-President of PAGA and President of the Glaucoma Society of Nigeria the local hosting organization , all of the international executive leadership including Dr. Karen Allison (Jamaica, USA) Chair of the conference planning committee, Dr. Philip Phatudi (South Africa), Dr. Girum Gesesse (Ethiopia), Dr. Jeremie Agre (Cote D’Ivoire) and all of our industry sponsors and partners, with special recognition to New World Medical and the National Medical Association Ophthalmology Section for their unwavering support in making the conference a success.
About the Pan African Glaucoma Association
The Pan African Glaucoma Association is dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness caused by glaucoma in Africa through advocacy, education, and the promotion of high-quality eye care.
For More Information
For a detailed agenda, speaker list, and scientific abstracts, the full conference program is available for viewing at the following link:https://panafricanglaucoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/brochure-paga.pdf
Visit the official Pan African Glaucoma website for more information about the association and future initiatives: https://panafricanglaucoma.com/
Glaucoma Prevention in Africa. The Pan African Glaucoma Association provides a forum to prevent glaucoma-related disability worldwide with a focus on persons of African descent and the diaspora.
