The Hospital Authority treats all new glaucoma cases as urgent and will arrange for patients to be examined and treated as early as possible, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

He told legislators today that statistics last compiled by the authority in 2001 on visual impairment cases in public hospitals, showed there were 92 cases in which glaucoma patients lost their eyesight permanently, accounting for 23% of the total number of permanent blindness cases.

On financial assistance, Hong Kong residents who are severely disabled, such as blindness, can apply for the Disability Allowance under the Social Security Allowance Scheme.

On support and care, the Social Welfare Department provides rehabilitation services for people with glaucoma-induced visual impairment and helps rebuild their independence, regain their confidence, reintegrate into society and achieve self-reliance.

As glaucoma is a disease more commonly found in the elderly, the department's Visiting Health Teams provide health education on common eye diseases and eye care for seniors and their carers. They also describe the warning signs of various eye diseases to heighten their alertness to any early symptoms.