Glaucoma UK launches landmark national patient survey

Glaucoma UK has launched its largest ever survey of people affected by glaucoma, with the aim of capturing the experiences of 10,000 people.

The landmark National Patient Voices Survey seeks to establish one of the most comprehensive evidence bases ever assembled on glaucoma patient experiences in the UK.

The charity is encouraging eye care professionals to support participation in the survey.

Launched on 6 July, the survey will run to 6 September 2026 and is open to people across the UK who are living with glaucoma or currently being monitored for the condition.

The survey has been developed in partnership with the Picker Institute and is informed by patients, clinicians and experts from glaucoma care.

Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, described the launch as a “landmark moment” for glaucoma patients and glaucoma care in the UK.

“We believe this is the largest glaucoma patient insight survey ever undertaken in the UK. By bringing together thousands of patient experiences, we will create a unique evidence base to help inform services, identify unmet need and ensure patient perspectives are represented in decisions about the future of glaucoma care,” Creighton said.

She emphasised that healthcare professionals have supported the development of the survey and their continued support will be “key” in reaching patients.

“We are especially keen to hear from those whose voices often go unheard in conversations about eye care. Every response will contribute to a richer understanding of what it means to live with glaucoma today,” she said.

Professor Barbara Ryan MBE, optometrist in the Aneurin Bevan Health Board and director of the Centre for Vision Services Research, Cardiff University, illustrated the role of optometrists in supporting patients with glaucoma and encouraged support for the survey.

She said: “This survey is an important opportunity to hear directly from people with glaucoma about what is working well and where care can improve.”

“I would encourage optometrists across the UK to signpost eligible patients and help ensure as many people as possible have their say,” Ryan added.

Healthcare professionals can contact the charity regarding promotional materials, posters, flyers and patient information resources.

Findings from the survey will provide insight into patients’ experiences of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and ongoing care.

Glaucoma UK plans to use the results to support service improvement and inform conversations with NHS leaders, policymakers, professional bodies, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers.

The survey fieldwork has been endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists, and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning.

The charity described the survey launch as occurring at a “critical time” for glaucoma services, as research from Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London estimates more than one million adults aged 40 and over in the UK are living with glaucoma – with around half undiagnosed.

The same study predicts a 60% increase in prevalence by 2060, with the number of people affected rising to 1.61 million.

The charity expressed thanks to headline funders, UK and Éire Glaucoma Society, Glaukos and Specsavers, and supporting funders, Théa Pharmaceuticals and Sight Sciences.