Glaucoma Awareness Week highlights risk factors

This Glaucoma Awareness Week (30 June–6 July), Glaucoma UK is encouraging the public to consider their risk of glaucoma, and has highlighted the range of resources available for eye care professionals to direct patients towards.

The charity has developed an online quiz to help individuals assess their likelihood of developing the disease.

The tool also provides advice and guidance for managing eye health.

The charity pointed out that approximately 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, but 50% are not aware.

Joanne Creighton, chief executive officer of Glaucoma UK, explained that the quiz is designed “to help people assess their glaucoma risk, understand the importance of regular eye tests, and take proactive steps to protect their sight.”

Glaucoma UK is also aiming to raise awareness among eye care professionals of the support services they offer.

Creighton shared: “Our initiative, Beyond the clinic, aims to provide optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other eye care professionals with the information and tools they need to help patients, and their friends and family.”

“Glaucoma care doesn’t end at the door of the clinic, and we want to ensure no one faces glaucoma alone,” she added.

Recognising that time during consultations can be limited, and that many patients may think of questions after the appointment, the charity highlighted its dedicated helpline for people living with glaucoma, and their loved ones.

The charity also has information booklets and aids to help people with eye drops, and community support through digital support groups and a buddy scheme for those facing glaucoma surgery.

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