DUBLIN, Ireland—Allergan, Sightsavers and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IPAB) have joined forces to launch the “Keep Sight” initiative, aimed at addressing glaucoma in underserved areas of the world. The initiative will provide training for health care professions to learn how to screen at-risk populations, ensure early diagnosis, and provide treatment and long-term care. The first program will launch at a hospital in Nigeria, providing training to 50 health care professionals. The goal for this first program is to screen 5,000 people, treat 500 patients, and provide surgery for 70 patients. It is anticipated that the initiative will expand to screen 500,000 people by 2021.

Caroline Harper, CEO of Sightsavers, said, “We are excited to be partnering with Allergan, an organization with a long heritage in eyecare and a shared commitment to drive life-transforming innovations for patients suffering with glaucoma, which is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. The greatest global needs in eye health today exist in developing countries, where typical barriers include inadequate human resources, poor infrastructure, a lack of awareness and limited access to medical treatments. The partnership between Sightsavers, the IAPB and Allergan is an example of the important and necessary alliances that are needed to fight avoidable blindness and deliver better services to patients.”

Joanna Conlon, director of development and communications at the IAPB said, “Glaucoma accounts for between 12 percent and 16 percent of blindness in high-income regions, central Asia, parts of Europe and Africa. Glaucoma in Africa is poised to be a significant public health burden in the coming decade. 'Keep Sight' is the kind of solution we need today. IAPB is delighted to be working with Allergan to raise awareness of glaucoma, a 'neglected' eye condition.”

Marc Princen, EVP and president, international commercial at Allergan said, “Allergan is honored to partner with Sightsavers and IAPB on 'Keep Sight,' their wealth of knowledge and expertise, combined with our passion for science and solutions will have a real impact on our shared goal of reducing the high burden of irreversible blindness. For almost two decades, Allergan has been committed to developing novel approaches to preserve visual function and prevent blindness caused by glaucoma; 'Keep Sight' is an initiative that will make a real difference to people with glaucoma in these underserved populations.”