Eye Health Care Charity of the Month

The helpline team provides advice and support to anyone living with glaucoma

In this month’s Eye Health Care Charity of the Month, we turn the spotlight on Glaucoma UK…

Glaucoma UK is the charity for people with glaucoma. It campaigns to raise awareness so that glaucoma is detected early and can be treated, supports people to live well with the disease and fund sight-saving research. The charity’s aim is to end preventable glaucoma sight loss.

With an estimated 700,000 people in the UK living with glaucoma – only half of whom are estimated to be aware of it – increasing awareness of both the disease and the risk to individuals is a vital aspect of Glaucoma UK’s work. The charity runs campaigns throughout the year to highlight the importance of regular eye health checks for those who do not know they may have glaucoma and provides a wide range of free services to help people with the disease, and everyone who cares for them.

Helpline

Glaucoma UK’s helpline is for anyone who would like to talk about glaucoma or related conditions such as dry eye or blepharitis. The helpline team provides advice and support to anyone living with glaucoma. Call the helpline on 01233 648170 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am–5.00pm) or email helpline@glaucoma.uk

Website, leaflets and other resources

The charity produces a range of free leaflets and posters covering all aspects of living with glaucoma, for example, driving with glaucoma and helpful information about different surgical or laser procedures. The website – www.glaucoma.uk – offers lots of practical support including hints and tips for putting in eye drops.

Health Unlocked: connect with others

Join the glaucoma community forum, Health Unlocked, and talk to other people with glaucoma, learn about their experiences and ask questions.

Buddy scheme

If anyone is worried about an upcoming surgery, they can speak to someone who has first-hand experience thanks to the charity’s buddy scheme. Contact the helpline team on 01233 64 81 70 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk for more information.

Glaucoma support groups

Glaucoma UK support groups give people with glaucoma the opportunity to meet other people with glaucoma and share their experiences. Healthcare professionals also attend, so attendees have an opportunity to ask the questions that matter most to them.

The charity also runs digital glaucoma support groups which are online webinars people can join from the comfort of their home. Details of glaucoma support groups can be found on the website, or through helpline team on 01233 64 81 70 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk

Support for professionals

Resources are available for professionals who look after people with glaucoma

Glaucoma UK offers lots of resources for professionals who look after people with glaucoma, in particular accredited training about glaucoma that offers solutions to challenges people face in managing their condition. This can be face-to-face or online, and for many organisations also includes a free resource to help professionals assist their patients to prevent vision loss.

The charity provides insights around patient needs and Easy-Read posters and leaflets. The free professional membership gives access to an electronic quarterly magazine, regular updates as well as early information about grants, awards and opportunities to take part in studies and surveys.

Glaucoma UK plans and organises the annual United Kingdom and Eire Glaucoma Society conference, with two days of talks and debates as well as an exceptional networking opportunity. In 2024, the conference will be in Southampton on 9 and 10 October and is expected to be awarded 11 Royal College of Ophthalmologists CPD points. Email info@glaucoma.uk for more information

Fundraise for Glaucoma UK

There are many ways to help change the outlook for people with glaucoma or at risk of developing the disease. The Glaucoma UK team has loads of ideas, tips and motivation to help your fundraising activities. Email fundraising@glaucoma.uk to request a pack.

Glaucoma UK membership

Become a member of Glaucoma UK and join the fight against glaucoma! Members are a big part of the charity’s work. The charity offers its members a range of benefits including receiving a quarterly membership magazine, which is packed with news articles, interesting interviews and the very latest information about glaucoma. Find out more here.

Research

Glaucoma is a complex group of eye diseases. The exact causes of the most common type of glaucoma are still unknown, and there is currently no cure. Glaucoma UK is working tirelessly to support UK researchers to shed light on early diagnosis, care and treatment that will help everyone living with glaucoma.

The charity funds important research

Glaucoma UK is proud to fund research into the causes, detection and treatment of glaucoma. The charity has helped fund new developments in areas like stem cell treatment and technologies that improve the quality of life of people of all ages living with glaucoma.

The Glaucoma UK team also works in collaboration with partners within the eye care sector, including other charities and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. As the charity for people with glaucoma, Glaucoma UK is committed to helping patients engage more with research, through advertising opportunities to participate in research as well as supporting researchers with patient and public engagement.

The year 2022-23 was the charity’s biggest-ever year for research funding, offering more than £400,000 of grants to a range of eyecare professionals. This coming year, Glaucoma UK is delighted to be launching a new career development fellowship to support an up-and-coming glaucoma researcher and celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Find out more here.