Try our new AI Assistant

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Blindness (Glaucoma)

In light of a pressing health issue in South Africa, this article offers an educated perspective on Glaucoma – a debilitating condition that poses significant threats to eye health.

The article delves into the specific symptoms and various treatment methods available for managing the disease while examining its prevalence within the country.

Highlighting just how crucial it is for Medical Aid Schemes in South Africa to include coverage related to Glaucoma care, accessibility becomes paramount when tackling serious illnesses known for causing irreversible harm – making medical aid recognition even more critical. In this article you will learn:

The Best Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Blindness in South Africa (2024) – a List
Does Discovery Health cover lase eye surgery?
Is Blindness disease (Glaucoma) a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB)?
Are Glaucoma diseases covered under critical illness insurance?
The Top Medical aids covering Pre-Existing conditions in Blindness Diseases or Conditions
The Best Medical Aid Schemes for Pensioners covering Blindness (Glaucoma Disease)
Is Blindness (Glaucoma) Disease a disability?

and Much much more

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Blindness – A Comparison

🔎 Provider	↪️ Cover Blindness	➡️ Top Plan Covering Glaucoma
🥈 Bestmed	✅ Yes	Rhythm 2
🥉 Bonitas	✅ Yes	Primary Select
🏅 Cape Medical Plan	✅ Yes	HealthPact Silver
🎖️ CompCare	✅ Yes	SYMMETRY
🏆 Discovery Health	✅ Yes	Discovery Health Classic Smart Comprehensive
🥇Fedhealth	✅ Yes	Maxima EXEC
🥇 Genesis	✅ Yes	MED-200 Plus
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed	✅ Yes	Titanium Executive
🥉 KeyHealth	✅ Yes	Origin
🏅 Makoti Medical	✅ Yes	Comprehensive Option
🎖️ MediHelp	✅ Yes	MedMove!
🏆 MediMed	✅ Yes	Medisave Standard
🥇 MedShield	✅ Yes	MediValue
🥈 Momentum Health	✅ Yes	Extender
🥉 Suremed	✅ Yes	Shuttle
🏅 Thebemed	✅ Yes	Universal EDO

Medical Aid Schemes that Cover Blindness (2024)

☑️ Bestmed – Covers the Diagnosis of Glaucoma
☑️ Bonitas – Offers Glaucoma screening, and, Visual Field Screening
☑️ Cape Medical Plan – Customized Medical Aid Plans
☑️ CompCare – Access to a Network of Accredited Medical Professionals
☑️ Discovery Health – Covers emergencies and other medical services
☑️ FedHealth – Overall, the Best Medical Aid Scheme covering Blindness in South Africa
☑️ Genesis – Non-Network Restricted Medical Aid
☑️ Sizwe Hosmed – Trusted South African-Based Medical Aid
☑️ KeyHealth – Reduces administrative burdens for glaucoma patients
☑️ Makoti Medical – Access to Generous cover across a wide range of service
☑️ MediHelp – Flexible Healthcare Solutions
☑️ MediMed – Best Medical Aid for Individuals and Young Families
☑️ MedShield – Popular Medical Aid for Adults
☑️ Momentum Health – Provides an integrated health infrastructure
☑️ Suremed – Emphasises ongoing treatment in managing glaucoma.
☑️ Thebemed – Unlimited Private Hospital cover at network hospitals

What is Glaucoma?

Responsible for facilitating clear vision, the optic nerve is vital, yet it can be damaged by various eye ailments referred to as glaucoma.

Typically associated with high intraocular pressure and prevalent in individuals over 60, this impairment poses a significant threat to sight and is one of the primary factors leading to blindness.

Overview of Glaucoma

The onset of glaucoma is typically slow, lacking any notable precursor signals. Elevated pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.

Failure to address such impairment may result in permanent vision loss that cannot be restored. If left untreated or improperly managed, total irreversible blindness owing to glaucoma could manifest within a few years.

📢 Complete below form and receive a free, no obligation quote

Glaucoma Stats in South Africa

Glaucoma is predicted to affect 4.5% to 5.3% of people over the age of 40 in South Africa, with a higher frequency in the black population compared to the white population.

The prevalence of glaucoma in Africa is the highest in the world, at 4.16%, and it is believed that over 6 million Africans have glaucoma, with up to 500,000 already blind. Africans had a faster onset and more severe course of the disease, resulting in blindness earlier than Caucasians.

The South African Glaucoma Society (SAGS) seeks to improve the quality of glaucoma care in South Africa through communication and collaboration among glaucoma professionals and organisations.

The society also works with worldwide glaucoma organisations and follows the World Glaucoma Association’s (WGA) Code of Practice. Furthermore, the SAGS provides information and guidelines for healthcare practitioners involved in glaucoma management.

World Glaucoma Week is observed to increase awareness of glaucoma, also known as the “silent blinding illness”, due to its progressive nature and absence of early signs. If left untreated, the illness can cause irreversible vision impairment, making early discovery and therapy critical.

Can Glaucoma be cured, and how?

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, although there are therapies that can halt or delay the growth of the condition if diagnosed early.

Treatment usually begins with prescription eye drops and can progress to oral medications. Laser therapy or surgical procedures may sometimes be required to lower intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma Curability and Management

Even though there is currently no cure for glaucoma, its progression can be managed through the proper utilisation of medication, laser treatment or surgical intervention to halt any further vision loss. Consistent check-ups with an ophthalmologist are crucial for individuals who may be at risk.

Recognising the condition early on and consistently administering appropriate therapy are quintessential factors for effectively managing glaucoma and maintaining a good quality of life.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is frequently called the “silent robber of sight” because of its gradual initiation. Many South Africans must recognise the symptoms to prevent the disease’s progression at an early stage. The following symptoms are indicative of glaucoma:

✅ Gradual loss of peripheral vision, typically in both eyes
✅ Eye tenderness
✅ Seeing spots or ghost-like images
✅ Halos around lights
✅ Severe eye pain
✅ Nausea or vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
✅ Blurred vision
✅ Redness of the eye
✅ Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Gradual loss of peripheral vision, typically in both eyes

Open-angle glaucoma, the most prevalent type in South Africa, frequently manifests as a gradual deterioration of peripheral vision at the outset. This may remain undetected until it manifests in other visual domains.

Those affected may initially experience a reduced visual field diameter, impairing their ability to discern objects at the periphery or margins.

Eye tenderness

A sensation of pressure or tenderness around the eyes may indicate glaucoma. This symptom is often invisible and difficult to detect. South Africans should recognise their ocular well-being and promptly notify an eye care professional of any chronic discomfort.

Seeing spots or ghost-like images

Glaucoma may cause patients to experience intermittent shadowy vision or spots. Although these symptoms may be transient, they may indicate that a comprehensive eye examination is necessary, especially for South Africans who might mistake these visual impairments for less serious eye conditions.

Halos around lights

Glaucoma may manifest as seeing halos around lights caused by corneal oedema brought on by elevated intraocular pressure.

This may present a hazard for South African citizens, particularly motorists and those exposed to the elements while working late. It is crucial to document this symptom and seek the advice of an eye care professional should it manifest.

Severe eye pain

Although uncommon, acute angle-closure glaucoma is a critical medical condition that can manifest as severe ocular discomfort.

In South Africa, where immediate access to emergency eye care may be limited, it is crucial to recognise this symptom. An abrupt increase in intraocular pressure causes excruciating pain; therefore, immediate medical attention is required to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Nausea or vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)

In the presence of severe ocular pain, nausea or vomiting may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma. While this symptom may be mistaken for other conditions, it is a critical indicator of glaucoma.

Blurred vision

The advancement of glaucoma may lead to visual impairment. It can fluctuate and sometimes be inconsistent, occasionally misdiagnosed as general eye distress or fatigue.

Particularly if it manifests itself frequently or intensifies over time, this symptom should not be disregarded by South Africans; it may indicate the necessity for glaucoma screening.

Redness of the eye

Erythema could be misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or eye fatigue. However, this may indicate a more severe ailment, especially in South Africa, where environmental elements such as dust and sunlight exposure can potentially worsen ocular problems.

Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Tunnel vision is a symptom of glaucoma in its later stages, characterised by a reduction in the visual field to the extent that only forward vision is possible. It is especially concerning for those South Africans who may not have consistent access to health care services.

This symptom can significantly impede an individual’s capacity to carry out routine activities, adversely affecting their state of being and autonomy.

Glaucoma Treatment

It is particularly critical to treat glaucoma effectively in South Africa, where delayed diagnosis can result in avoidable vision loss. Treatment aims to decrease intraocular pressure and avert additional harm to the optic nerve. Glaucoma can be treated in the following ways:

✅ Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments
✅ Laser therapy
✅ Surgical procedures
✅ Prescription eye drops
✅ Oral medications

Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments

Regular eye evaluations are crucial for glaucoma patients to ensure ongoing optic nerve health and intraocular pressure monitoring. Ensuring all South African populations have access to scheduled check-ups is important.

Additionally, making healthy eating habits and exercise a part of daily routine can contribute positively towards maintaining good eye health and reducing the risk of high intraocular pressure.

Laser therapy

As a treatment option, laser therapy may assist in the dilation of the eye’s discharge angles or reduction of fluid production. The accessibility of this non-invasive procedure is increasing, specifically in urban areas of South Africa that house specialised eye care facilities.

When medication alone proves inadequate in managing specific varieties of glaucoma, this treatment is frequently employed due to its efficacy.

Surgical procedures

Surgical intervention may be required when medication and laser therapy fail to produce the desired results. Surgical interventions are designed to establish a fresh drainage pathway for fluids or diminish their production.

Although surgery can yield significant efficacy, it also entails elevated levels of risk. Expanding healthcare infrastructure is of utmost importance in South Africa, particularly in less developed regions where access to glaucoma surgery may be limited.

Prescription eye drops

In South Africa, prescribed eye medications are among the primary line of defence against glaucoma. By inhibiting fluid production in the eye or increasing its outflow, these medications assist in reducing intraocular pressure.

Patients must adhere to their prescribed usage, as failure to do so may result in the advancement of the illness. In rural regions, these medications may be difficult to obtain; therefore, community health programs are crucial for facilitating this aspect of treatment.

Oral medications

In cases where eye solutions prove to be inadequate, oral medications may be prescribed. Systemic medications, commonly carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, function to decrease intraocular fluid volume, thereby causing ocular hypotension.

The cost and accessibility of these medications can pose a significant obstacle for many individuals in South Africa, requiring intervention from the government and healthcare providers to ensure that those in need have access to them.

Medical Aid Schemes that Include Benefits for Glaucoma

Bestmed

Bestmed adopts a personalised approach to managing glaucoma, which includes a comprehensive selection of medication options and consultations with specialists. This improves the administration of diseases for the population in South Africa.

Does Bestmed cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Bestmed covers Glaucoma.

Bestmed Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Bestmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Beat 1
✅ Beat 2
✅ Beat 3
✅ Beat 4
✅ Pace 1
✅ Pace 2
✅ Pace 3
✅ Pace 4
✅ Rhythm 1
✅ Rhythm 2

Bonitas

Bonitas is distinguished by its committed case management staff, which assists patients diagnosed with glaucoma. They facilitate medication adherence and care coordination, thereby alleviating the burden on individuals who are managing chronic conditions.

Does Bonitas cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Bonitas covers Glaucoma.

Bonitas Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Bonitas Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ BonStart
✅ BonStart Plus
✅ Standard
✅ Standard Select
✅ Primary
✅ Primary Select
✅ BonFit Select
✅ BonSave
✅ BonComplete
✅ BonClassic
✅ BonComprehensive
✅ Hospital Standard
✅ BonEssential
✅ BonEssential Select
✅ BonCap

Cape Medical Plan

The Cape Medical Plan gives comparable importance to both glaucoma medication and routine examinations. By implementing continuous monitoring and timely intervention, comprehensive care is promoted.

Does Cape Medical Plan cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Cape Medical Plan covers Glaucoma.

Cape Medical Plan Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Cape Medical Plan Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ HealthPact Silver
✅ HealthPact Premium
✅ HealthPact Select

CompCare

CompCare elevates the standard of healthcare by providing a wellness programme specifically designed for individuals diagnosed with glaucoma. In addition to educational materials and self-management instruments, this programme provides comprehensive medication coverage.

Does CompCare cover Glaucoma?

Yes, CompCare covers Glaucoma.

CompCare Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following CompCare Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ NETWORX
✅ SELFNET
✅ MEDX
✅ UNISAVE
✅ MUMED
✅ SELFSURE
✅ SYMMETRY
✅ DYNAMIX
✅ PINNACLE

Discovery Health

Discovery Health integrates glaucoma coverage by utilising its extensive network of healthcare providers. This enables individuals to benefit from state-of-the-art therapies and state-of-the-art technologies that enhance the efficacy of disease management.

Does Discovery Health cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Discovery Health covers Glaucoma.

Discovery Health Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Discovery Health Executive Plan
✅ Discovery Health Classic Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Core
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Core
✅ Discovery Health Classic Delta Saver
✅ Discovery Health Classic Priority
✅ Discovery Health Classic Saver
✅ Discovery Health Classic Smart Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Classic Smart
✅ Discovery Health Coastal Core
✅ Discovery Health Coastal Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Comprehensive
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Core
✅ Discovery Health Essential Delta Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Dynamic Smart
✅ Discovery Health Essential Priority
✅ Discovery Health Essential Saver
✅ Discovery Health Essential Smart
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Core
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Plus
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Start
✅ Discovery Health KeyCare Start Regional

Fedhealth

The chronic disease management programme offered by Fedhealth prioritises individualised care. It offers individualised care pathways and direct access to critical pharmaceuticals for patients diagnosed with glaucoma.

Does Fedhealth cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Fedhealth covers Glaucoma.

Fedhealth Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ FlexiFED Savvy
✅ MyFED
✅ FlexiFED 1
✅ FlexiFED 2
✅ FlexiFED 3
✅ FlexiFED 4
✅ Maxima EXEC
✅ Maxima PLUS

Genesis Medical Scheme

The uncomplicated benefit structure of Genesis Medical Scheme simplifies the treatment of glaucoma. Medication and specialised care are accessible to members without the encumbrance of intricate approval procedures.

Does Genesis Medical Scheme cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Genesis Medical Scheme covers Glaucoma.

Genesis Medical Scheme Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Genesis Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ MED-100
✅ MED-200
✅ MED-200 Plus

Sizwe Hosmed

The Sizwe Hosmed program integrates proactive patient education with glaucoma medication coverage. This methodology guarantees that individuals obtain essential medical attention and comprehend the significance of adhering to their condition.

Does Sizwe Hosmed cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Sizwe Hosmed covers Glaucoma.

Sizwe Hosmed Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Sizwe Hosmed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Essential Copper
✅ Silver Hospital
✅ Access Saver-25
✅ Access Saver-15
✅ Gold Ascend
✅ Gold Ascend EDO
✅ Value
✅ Value Core EDO
✅ Platinum Enhanced
✅ Platinum Enhanced EDO
✅ Plus
✅ Titanium Executive

Keyhealth

Keyhealth reduces administrative burdens for glaucoma patients by providing an intuitive chronic condition benefit. This provides critical coverage for consultations and treatment.

Does Keyhealth cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Keyhealth covers Glaucoma.

Keyhealth Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Keyhealth Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Essence
✅ Origin
✅ Equilibrium
✅ Silver
✅ Gold
✅ Platinum

Makoti Medical Scheme

Highlighting affordability in glaucoma care, Makoti Medical Scheme provides a comprehensive benefits package encompassing a diverse array of specialised services and medications.

Does Makoti Medical Scheme cover Glaucoma?

Yes, the Makoti Medical Scheme covers Glaucoma.

Makoti Medical Scheme Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Makoti Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Primary Option
✅ Comprehensive Option

Medihelp

Medihelp prioritises the provision of comprehensive coverage for glaucoma. It provides sophisticated treatments and a specialised network of ophthalmologists to guarantee that its members receive care of the highest calibre.

Does Medihelp cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Medihelp covers Glaucoma.

Medihelp Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Medihelp Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ MedElect Student
✅ MedVital Elect
✅ MedVital
✅ MedMove!
✅ MedAdd Elect
✅ MedAdd
✅ MedSave
✅ MedElect
✅ MedPrime Elect
✅ MedPrime
✅ MedElite
✅ MedPlus

Medimed Medical Scheme

The Medimed Medical Scheme guarantees Glaucoma patients access to a wide range of covered medications and incorporates beneficial preventative care consultations.

Does Medimed cover Glaucoma?

Yes, the Medimed Medical Scheme covers Glaucoma.

Medimed Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Medimed Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Medisave Essential
✅ Alpha
✅ Medisave Standard
✅ Medisave Max

Medshield

Medshield offers comprehensive medication coverage and grants members access to a network of eye care specialists. This facilitates the provision of continuous and coordinated care for members.

Does Medshield cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Medshield covers Glaucoma.

Medshield Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Medshield Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ MediCurve
✅ MediPhila
✅ MediSwift
✅ MediValue
✅ MediValue Compact
✅ MediCore
✅ MediPlus Prime
✅ MediPlus Compact
✅ MediSaver
✅ MediBonus
✅ PremiumPlus

Momentum Health

Momentum Health provides an integrated health infrastructure to assist individuals with glaucoma in monitoring their ocular well-being. Additionally, various treatment options are covered to provide a holistic approach to care.

Does Momentum Health cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Momentum Health covers Glaucoma.

Momentum Health Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Momentum Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Ingwe
✅ Evolve
✅ Custom
✅ Incentive
✅ Extender
✅ Summit

Suremed

Suremed emphasises the criticality of timely identification and ongoing treatment in managing glaucoma. The benefits they provide encompass both routine screenings and comprehensive treatment.

Does Suremed cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Suremed covers Glaucoma.

Suremed Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Suremed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Shuttle
✅ Explorer
✅ Navigator
✅ Challenger

Thebemed

Thebemed provides glaucoma patients with individualised health programmes designed to meet their requirements. They apply to various medical procedures, including diagnostics and treatment.

Does Thebemed cover Glaucoma?

Yes, Thebemed covers Glaucoma.

Thebemed Plans that Cover Glaucoma

The following Thebemed Health Medical Aid Plans provide benefits and cover for Glaucoma:

✅ Universal EDO
✅ Universal
✅ Energy
✅ Fantasy

In Conclusion

Blindness disease / Glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness in South Africa and it is a condition that, if not treated promptly, can result in permanent vision loss.

Because of its prevalence and potential severity, it is a top priority for healthcare providers. In South Africa, Medical Aid Schemes frequently include benefits for Glaucoma treatment to facilitate early diagnosis and effective management, lowering long-term healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

You might also like: Discovery Health Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my medical aid cover Glaucoma surgery?

Most medical aids generally cover glaucoma surgery. However, authorisation and scheme-specific regulations apply.

What treatments for Glaucoma do medical aids typically cover?

Medical benefits typically cover various glaucoma treatments, such as oral medications, prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and required surgical procedures.

Are there limits on Glaucoma medication coverage by medical aids?

Although coverage limits differ among schemes, most offer adequate medication benefits for glaucoma as part of their chronic illness coverage.

Are laser treatments for Glaucoma covered by medical aids in South Africa?

Yes, laser therapies are frequently reimbursed due to their status as a standard intervention for specific glaucoma subtypes.

Do Medical aid schemes in South Africa cover glaucoma?

Yes, most medical aid schemes in South Africa include glaucoma in their Chronic Disease List benefits.

Can I choose any ophthalmologist for Glaucoma treatment with my medical aid?

No, you might not be able to. Certain medical aids may restrict the selection of a specialist, mandating that you visit a practitioner affiliated with their network.

Does medical aid cover the cost of Glaucoma screening and tests?

Yes, several medical aids provide coverage for glaucoma diagnostic procedures, especially for those at high risk or with a family history of the condition.

Do medical aids cover visits to ophthalmologists for Glaucoma?

Yes, ophthalmologist consultations are typically covered, particularly when incorporated into a prescribed glaucoma treatment regimen.

What should I do if my medical aid denies my Glaucoma treatment claim?

Verify that your claim satisfies the requirements of your medical aid, and if necessary, proceed with their appeals process.

4.5/5 - (2 votes)

Adriaan Schoeman

Adriaan holds an MBA and specializes in medical aid research. With his commitment to perfection, he ensures the accuracy of all data presented on medicalaid.com every three months. When he is not conducting research, Adriaan can be found indulging in his passion for trout fishing amidst nature.