So, you want to hear about glaucoma at 100% Optical?

This week, OT looks at three sessions at 100% Optical that will explore the subject of glaucoma.  

1 Lecture: global perspectives in glaucoma

Moemen Elnawawy, ophthalmic surgeon at CHEC, will present a lecture on the global problem of glaucoma, outlining diagnosis, highlighting risk factors, and detailing contemporary management strategies.

The lecture will be held on 2 March in the Optical Academy from 10.30–11.30am.

Enawawy told OT: “Having worked around the world specialising in anterior segment diseases, I’m encouraging delegates to take observations from global practices in glaucoma and understand how they can adapt them to support patients at a community level.”

The session will explore the history of glaucoma and how to recognise signs of the disease.

“Together, we’ll explore the challenges faced by practitioners in managing patients with glaucoma, and particularly the challenges associated with abnormal field plots on a Humphrey visual field test,” he continued.

Elnawawy added: “Ultimately, the aim is to arm attendees with the tools to deliver best in class professionalism and clinical practice when it comes to glaucoma.”

2 Lecture: New findings on biomarkers for progressive glaucoma

Professor David Garway-Heath, Glaucoma UK professor of ophthalmology and allied science at the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, will lead a Main stage lecture on 1 March focused on glaucoma.

The lecture, taking place from 4.45–5.45pm, will address the challenges of managing glaucoma, focusing on the limitations of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction as the sole modifiable risk factor.

The session will explore the variability in patient response to IOP-lowering treatments, and discuss the potential role of biomarkers in identifying susceptibility to progressive vision loss.

In 2024,OT spoke with Garway-Heath on the new research exploring markers in the blood that predict how an individual will respond to glaucoma treatment. Watch the interview here.

3 Lecture: achieving better outcomes in glaucoma patients with cataracts

Specsavers’ clinical services director, Giles Edmonds, and director of professional advancement, Paul Morris, will be joined by Nishani Amerasinghe, consultant ophthalmic surgeon from the University Hospital Southampton, for a lecture on tackling glaucoma.

Amerasinghe is past president of the UK and Éire Glaucoma Society, a non-profit national scientific society and part of Glaucoma UK.

The Main stage lecture will take place on 2 March from 2.15–3.15pm.

Morris said: “The lecture will discuss the potential benefits of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and the need for a tailored approach in the UK for those who are glaucoma suspects or sufferers but also develop cataract.”

The lecture will consider factors such as disease severity, glaucoma type, and overall eye health. The speakers will also explore strategies to improve patient compliance, support caregivers, raise public awareness, and enhance the detection and management of glaucoma suspects.

Morris said: “Community eye care professionals are instrumental in educating patients about the importance of regular eye exams, particularly for those at higher risk.

“We already play a crucial role in the early detection and management of glaucoma-related sight loss, and we can do even more to support our patients and the healthcare system as a whole,” he continued.

If identifying the signs of glaucoma or supporting management of the disease features on your Personal Development Plan for 2025–2027, why not make a start with education at 100% Optical? Visit the education programme to find many more sessions dedicated to this topic, and more. Register for 100% Optical now.