Bringing eye health into conversations

Glaucoma UK is encouraging people to make eye health part of their conversations this World Glaucoma Week, 9–15 March, as the annual awareness event coincides with several religious and cultural festivals.

The campaign week seeks to raise awareness of glaucoma and the importance of eye health.

This year’s awareness week coincides with several religious and cultural festivals, including Ramadan, Holi, Hola Mohalla, Purim, and St Patrick’s Day, and will be followed by Easter in April.

Glaucoma UK highlighted that these celebrations bring people together, offering an opportunity to discuss the importance of prioritising eye health with family, friends, and wider communities.

Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, said: “This year, World Glaucoma Week falls alongside many religious and cultural events that bring people together. We want to encourage people to talk about glaucoma during these celebrations with friends and family. Because glaucoma can be symptomless, raising awareness is crucial.”

Creighton emphasised that raising awareness of glaucoma is vital “all year round,” adding: “A simple conversation might prompt someone to book an eye test and save their sight.”

Glaucoma UK has produced a range of resources, including conversation starters, to help aid discussions about glaucoma and eye health.

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