UKEGS appoints 2025 president and president elect

Glaucoma UK has named the newly appointed president and president-elect for UK and Éire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS).

Dr Andrew Tatham, a consultant at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion Edinburgh, will step into the role of 2025 president of the scientific society, taking over from Nishani Amerasinghe. OT spoke to Amerasinghe during Glaucoma Awareness Week this year about raising awareness of glaucoma and the role of optometrists in the community. Find the interview here.

Tatham is the NHS Research Scotland clinical lead for ophthalmology and an honorary reader at University of Edinburgh. He is also a qualified classifier for the British Paralympic Association.

Leon Au, consultant ophthalmologist in Manchester, has been appointed president-elect and will take over as president in 2026.

UKEGS works to promote the exchange of knowledge between glaucoma specialists, stimulate research, and protect the interests of people living with glaucoma or who are at risk of developing the disease.

Commenting on the appointment, Tatham said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of UKEGS and am eager to continue the tremendous work of the society in providing a forum for learning, networking, and foremost ensuring high quality, evidence-based glaucoma care.”

“I would like to thank Nishani for her inspiring term as president and very much look forward to continuing working with her, the UKEGS leadership team and Glaucoma UK as we begin to plan for UKEGS 2025,” he continued.

Each year the society hosts a two-day conference for glaucoma professionals in ophthalmology, optometry, and research.

The 2025 event will take place in Edinburgh from 5–6 November and will be focused on What matters most? – Priorities for improving glaucoma care.

Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, welcomed the new president and president-elect, commenting: “The society has grown from strength to strength in recent years and brings together glaucoma specialists to extend their knowledge and expertise.”

“We look forward to working closely with Andrew and Leon in their new leadership roles and are excited that the conference on 5–6 November will include a focus on much-needed research,” she said.

Creighton continued: “Calls to our helpline highlight how much people fear losing their sight, so promoting knowledge exchange is vital. Working with professionals means that, together, we can make a difference to the lives of people living with glaucoma.”