AOP seeks to raise awareness of glaucoma

The AOP is highlighting the importance of regular eye health checks for detecting sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma ahead of National Glaucoma Week, which begins on Monday (4–10 June).

Coinciding with the awareness week, the AOP has released a patient facing video to highlight the key symptoms of the condition, which can often go undetected. The video (below) is ideal for sharing on social media.

Sheryll Karpel (pictured) was diagnosed with closed-angle glaucoma after attending her GP over a period of three-years with what she was told were optical migraines. 

Sharing her story, Ms Karpel explained: “I was suffering terribly with these regular attacks. I would be in awful pain for hours and the only thing that helped was laying down. When I listed the symptoms to my doctor, like headaches and coloured halos, I was told that I had optical migraines, but every treatment I tried didn’t work.”

Ms Karpel’s attacks became more frequent, from every three months to every three days.

Following one particularly bad attack, Ms Karpel was diagnosed with closed-angle glaucoma during a hospital examination, and emergency laser treatment followed.

After surgery, Ms Karpel attended Harley Bain Opticians in North London. She was treated by optometrist Mr Bain, who prescribed temporary eyewear while she awaited surgery on her left eye.

Speaking about the practice visit, Ms Karpel said: “I was completely taken aback by the time Mr Bain took to make sure that I came away with glasses that really helped me – he spent over an hour examining my eyes and asking lots of questions. After struggling for so long, it was a huge relief to have that level of care.”

For more information on the AOP’s new patient video, as well as a leaflet on the condition, visit its website.