In the past month, eye care professionals (ECPs) worldwide have been spreading awareness for World Glaucoma Week, led by the World Glaucoma Association between March 12 and 18. Over 500 activities were held across the global optical sector, including through social media, practice and hospital activities and new and ongoing studies.
Neeru Gupta, president at the World Glaucoma Association, said: ‘World Glaucoma Week is a unique initiative that puts a spotlight on glaucoma as the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can prevent needless vision impairment, however, so many are unaware they have the disease or may not have access to much-needed care.
‘As the numbers are expected to increase exponentially, it is a growing public health concern that needs more attention and effective eye health systems. The active coming together of the international community with colleagues and key stakeholders through events to stimulate awareness and dialogue is a show of our shared commitment to improving glaucoma care for patients around the world.’
Global events included 350-400 eye screenings carried out across India’s Doda district; a regional Awareness Drive campaign by India’s government Department of Medical Education of Uttar Pradesh and medical colleges; and a social media video from Dr. Phyllis Moonga, ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at Zambia’s University Teaching Hospitals Eye Hospital.
Spotlighting UK efforts
The charity Glaucoma UK helped raise awareness of glaucoma through a series of radio interviews broadcast on regional and national radio stations with a listenership of 43 million, featuring Nishani Amerasinghe, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and glaucoma specialist.
Glaucoma UK’s chief executive Joanne Creighton said: ‘For World Glaucoma Week this year, the charity’s campaign focuses on improving awareness of factors that increase the risk of someone getting glaucoma. This is why we encourage everyone to go for regular eye exams; they are crucial, especially if you are in a higher-risk group.’
A team from Glaucoma UK met with City, the University of London’s Crabb Lab team to discuss glaucoma research funded by the charity, marking 20 years of its ongoing partnership. The meeting explored progress of current projects at the lab, including Eyecatcher, a new way of testing vision in glaucoma, a glaucoma medication adherence project and doctoral research into glaucoma diagnosis and deprivation.
Creighton said the Crabb Lab welcomed her team to the research centre during World Glaucoma Week. ‘It was truly inspiring to see the dedication and expertise of the scientists, and to learn about the ground-breaking research they are conducting to improve the lives of people living with glaucoma. Their patient-focused approach and commitment to translating their findings into tangible benefits for patients is truly remarkable.’
The charity also worked with Oxford University Hospitals to run its annual free glaucoma support group.
Meanwhile, the Local Optical Committee Support Unit’s clinical director, Zoe Richmond, hosted a podcast on glaucoma, urging routine sight tests as the best way to detect glaucoma early. The College of Optometrists provided resources, such as clinical guidelines, best practice advice, webinars, online learning and podcasts. It will present the bitesize webinar, ‘OCT in glaucoma’, on optical coherence tomography in glaucoma diagnosis and management on April 26.
The College said: ‘By empowering patients with information, we can help them take an active role in their eye health and encourage them to seek treatment if needed.’
Moorfields Eye Hospital has also been busy supporting new projects to further research into the eye disease. The Springboard Award scheme has funded Maria Balda and Karl Matter, from UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Anthony Khawaja, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields, to look at how complex genetic factors play a role in the mechanisms underlying glaucoma and may highlight specific areas of damage in the eye. This aimed to move away from a ‘trial and error’ approach to glaucoma treatments towards personalised treatments.
It has also awarded Dr Nicky Cronbach, ophthalmology specialist trainee at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with a Research Training Fellowship, enabling her study into understanding the cause of primary congenital glaucoma. Dr Cronbach expressed gratitude to Moorfields Eye Charity and said it will enable her to uncover more about the genetics of primary congenital glaucoma and fulfil a long-awaited hope for those families affected by this devastating condition.
- Next, UK Glaucoma Awareness Week takes place from June 26 to July 2, 2023, led by Glaucoma UK.