A host of glaucoma research projects have been flagged up by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) ahead of this month’s National Eye Health Week.
They include five major research studies at UK universities and pop up glaucoma testing clinics in a range of locations.
City University London was setting up the high street clinics, to see how public engagement or detection rate of suspect glaucoma differed in perceived deprived areas compared to more prosperous ones.
The IGA and College of Optometrists were co-funding the 18 month research project.
Professor David Crabb of City University London, said: ‘Retail pop up booths in high streets and in shopping centres are common – we propose one for glaucoma. The idea is to move glaucoma detection to communities that we think are hard to reach. The IGA funding allows us to pilot the feasibility of glaucoma testing on the high street – literally.’
IGA chief executive officer Russell Young said: ’We are delighted to be announcing these pioneering research projects during National Eye Health Week, which will help improve the management and daily lives of glaucoma patients. Each research project will add a different level if understanding of the experience of glaucoma patients and will help inform development of new treatments.’