In focus: Responding to glaucoma

Often described as the silent thief of sight, glaucoma is estimated to affect 600,000 people in the UK and more than 64 million people worldwide. Plenty of UK optical companies got involved with World Glaucoma Week, which runs from March 12-18, to raise awareness of the eye disease, its symptoms and the importance of early detection.

Specsavers

During the week, Specsavers ran a million pound health information campaign in partnership with the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). The campaign promoted glaucoma awareness in TV and national press advertising, online activity and posters and health information in Specsavers stores. The campaign is based on research carried out by City, University of London which found men are 16% more likely than women to suffer advanced vision loss on diagnosis of the condition. Men were found to be at a greater risk of losing their sight than women because they ignore warning signs and do not seek medical attention.