Yvonne Nelson launches Glaucoma Foundation

Yvonne Nelson and Becca at the launch (Photo: Ameyaw Debrah)

Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson over the weekend launched her campaign against Glaucoma, an eye defect that caused the death of her close family member.

The Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation (YNGF) will work in association with the Glaucoma Association of Ghana to educate the public on the causes, treatment and prevention of the disease among other objectives.

Yvonne will use her celebrity status to sensitize the public on dangers of glaucoma and to let people know that the disease is treatable.

She will visit schools across the country to conduct free screening exercises with the help of specialist paramedics and selected `corporate sponsors. The Foundation would also create an effective monitoring system to help control existing cases and record new cases.

According to Yvonne, her foundation will focus on poverty-stricken areas where patient vulnerability is high due to lack of awareness and funding of medical attention or treatment.

“I will visit communities where I will employ effective drama on Glaucoma to effect an attitudinal change towards it,” comments the actress.

The launch at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra, saw immense support from Yvonne's colleagues in the Ghanaian movie industry and the showbiz scene in general. There were performances from the sensational singer, Efyah, as well as comedian, David Oscar.

There was also an auction of pictures of Yvonne Nelson at several stages of growth, to support the work of the Foundation. Actors John Dumelo and Nicky Samosa were also auctioned off for a dinner with the highest bidders.

A special account in the name of the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation has been opened with the Standard Chartered Bank (Dansoman Branch) to receive donations from the public to support the work of the Foundation.