21 January 2026
A new study published in British Journal of Ophthalmology has estimated that 1.1 million people in the UK have glaucoma. The research also predicted that 1.6 million people would have the condition by 2060.
The latest estimates are 50% higher than previous analysis of glaucoma prevalence, while researchers have highlighted that there could be more than 500,000 people with undiagnosed glaucoma.
The research was commissioned by Glaucoma UK and conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL) and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Lead author Professor Paul Foster, a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology researcher and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, highlighted that while glaucoma is a common cause of blindness, the condition is not symptomatic until its later stages.
“Regular tests are important for early diagnosis. Previous studies have estimated that half of glaucoma cases are undiagnosed,” he highlighted.
He added that more than 40% of glaucoma patients in the UK experience vision loss that could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment.
The latest study estimates that 3% of the population over 40 in the UK have glaucoma, rising to 11% of the population over the age of 85.
When calculating projections of future disease burden, the researchers used data from the Office for National Statistics showing how demographics are likely to change over time in the UK.
“Our findings show that there will be a large increase in glaucoma cases in the UK, so there’s a growing need to expand eye health services to meet this demand, including specialist care and diagnostic capacity,” Foster emphasised.
Glaucoma UK chief executive, Joanne Creighton, shared that the findings illustrate the importance of routine sight tests.
“This new study reveals a reality where over one million adults aged 40 and above are currently living with glaucoma – many of them without knowing, and potentially losing sight which they will never be able to recover,” she said.
Specsavers director of professional advancement, Paul Morris, highlighted that early detection is critical to preventing avoidable sight loss related to glaucoma.
"We continue to focus on higher-risk groups through campaigns such as The Auntie Army,” he said.
"This research also reinforces the need for services that can meet rising demand. Expanding community glaucoma services delivered by local optometrists is part of the solution for patients and for the NHS. Our optometrists support patients with suspected and diagnosed glaucoma every day across the country – and are ready and able to do even more’,” Morris highlighted.
Sight won't wait
Thousands need urgent eye appointments to prevent vision loss, but many wait too long. Optometrists are ready to help, but action is needed to address the UK eye care crisis
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Claire22 January 2026
'Expanding community glaucoma services delivered by local optometrists is part of the solution for patients and for the NHS. Our optometrists support patients with suspected and diagnosed glaucoma every day across the country – and are ready and able to do even more’,” Morris highlighted.'
This is what Paul Morris from Specsavers thinks is possible. I have been involved with our local hospital seeing Pxs referred for possible glaucoma. These referrals have come from local optometrists. 60% of these referrals were inappropriate. How does Paul Morris think that community Optometrists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be able to help Pxs with glaucoma when they are the cause of wasted HES appointments and long waiting times? It has been muted that community Optometrists can detect, treat and monitor glaucoma Pxs to relieve the burden on the NHS. Making appropriate referrals, would make a much bigger difference and Pxs would be seen more quickly and by people who can give the correct care. Rather than referring Pxs where IOPs, discs and visual fields are normal and asking for 'risk of glaucoma' advice, community optometrists who are not confident in glaucoma detection should have further training on what constitutes appropriate referrals.
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Anonymous22 January 2026
Very bravely said, I also work in the HES (and community) and 110% agree with you. Difficult to speak up when the narrative is for community optoms to have a greater role to play in eye care.
It’s not just glaucoma referrals either…..
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