Worcestershire eye department best for glaucoma

The hospital’s ophthalmology team was named best glaucoma ophthalmic unit in the UK at the annual International Glaucoma Association (IGA) awards ceremony last month.

Commenting on the award, lead consultant for ophthalmology, Tarun Sharma said: “We are very proud to receive this award from the IGA and are thrilled to hear that positive patient feedback was the reason we were nominated. We have put patients at the centre of their care and so it is pleasing to receive this recognition from them.”

The department was chosen as the winner following nominations from patients and regional managers of the Association who visit eye departments across the UK.

Mr Sharma established the department in 2008 and prior to the service patients who required complex glaucoma surgery had to travel to Birmingham. In 2009 the team set up the Worcestershire Glaucoma Support Group, which meets regularly to provide patients and their families with advice and support.

Chief executive of the IGA, Russell Young, added: “Worcestershire Royal Hospital is a worthy award winner. It has demonstrated how staff and patients can work together to both raise public awareness of glaucoma and educate patients about their condition. 

“The glaucoma support group is consistently well attended, which is largely driven by the sustained effort on behalf of all of the staff.”