24 April 2026
Glaucoma UK has announced the winners of its Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards for 2026.
The winners are made up of teams from Cumbria, Cardiff and North Yorkshire.
The awards recognise “outstanding individuals and teams who are transforming glaucoma care for patients across the UK,” Glaucoma UK said.
The joint winners of the Individual Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award were Gerard Ainsworth, consultant ophthalmologist at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Piero Zollet, glaucoma fellow at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Ainsworth was nominated by a glaucoma patient, Jayne, who praised the consistent support she has received throughout her care.
“Mr [Gerard] Ainsworth was there for me every step of the way,” she said.
“His accessibility, even outside appointments, shows commitment beyond duty. He listens with genuine seriousness, gives me time to raise concerns, and ensures I leave feeling informed, empowered and cared for.”
Ainsworth was able to provide her with reassurance when she developed an allergy to eye drops, and he showed determination to find the right treatment for her, Jayne said.
Due to Ainsworth’s care, Jayne has been able to continue her work as a rehabilitation worker, supporting others with sight loss.
“His compassion and persistence gave me strength,” she said.
Zollet was nominated for his exceptional bedside manner and commitment to patient care.
The patient who nominated Zollet said: “I’ve had three valves fitted and two cataracts removed, and Piero’s aftercare has been fantastic. He even saw me on a non-working day when my eye pressure was high, and he made sure I was properly looked after.”
The patient added: “When I speak to other glaucoma patients, they say the same. He is exactly what we need. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s done for me.”
The Team Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award was presented to the glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The team was nominated by Pouya Alaghband, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon.
The team’s strong commitment to patient care, safety and adaptability led to their nomination, Alaghband said.
Major improvements to services delivered by the team over the past year include reducing follow-up waiting times from 24 weeks to six weeks, cutting new patient referral waits from 30 weeks to eight weeks, and reducing glaucoma surgery waiting times to four weeks.
The team has achieved consistently positive patient feedback despite staff shortages within the team, the nomination noted.
“I’m delighted that our collective team efforts in improving patient care and communication have been recognised with the Glaucoma UK Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award. This is a testament to our commitment to a patient-centred approach at York Hospital and right across our NHS trust,” Alaghband said.
Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, said: “This year’s Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards celebrate the dedication of Gerard Ainsworth, Piero Zollet and the glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“Each of them has made a meaningful difference to people living with glaucoma. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care are what make them stand out.”
Chris Hunton, a Glaucoma UK trustee and one of the award judges, said: “Judging the Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards was particularly difficult this year, with a large number of cases where patients indicated that their nominees had gone above and beyond.
“Very well done to all those nominated and congratulations to this year's winners.”
Creighton added: “Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable work in helping people live well with glaucoma.”
Lead image: Professor Pouya Alaghband and Peter Holton, of Glaucoma UK
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