World’s First Glaucoma Awareness Dive by Dive Desk

Group photo of divers and organizers supporting World Glaucoma Week 2017.

Dive Desk is proud to have sponsored the world’s first Glaucoma Awareness Dive during World Glaucoma Week 2017, in collaboration with Maldicare Clinic and with media support from RaajjeTV. The event was designed to raise awareness about glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, while combining community health with ocean adventure. Maldicare also offered free glaucoma testing at their clinic on the same day.

The initiative was spearheaded by visiting consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Devin Prabhakar, who completed his PADI Open Water Diver Course with Dive Desk. As part of the program, Dr. Prabhakar conducted free eye check-ups for divers and dental screenings for air pocket issues, emphasizing the importance of vision and health in safe scuba diving.

Divers participating in the world’s first Glaucoma Awareness Dive with Dive Desk.

Glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” gradually damages the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. Because it usually progresses without symptoms, many people are unaware they have it until vision loss is advanced. Currently, an estimated 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma, a number projected to rise to 11.2 million by 2020.

Scuba diving, like eye health, is about taking preventive measures for safety and enjoyment. With clear vision, divers can fully appreciate the beauty of the underwater world — reminding us all to check our eyes yearly.

World Glaucoma Week, held globally from 12–18 March, features diverse activities to spread awareness. Dive Desk is honored to have played a pioneering role in this historic initiative, helping to raise awareness, encourage early screening, and inspire action against glaucoma.