Glaucoma UK is a small charity but has a big impact!

Determining possible ocular symptoms in people who have experienced other symptoms indicative of Covid -19

Anglia Ruskin university are running an online survey about whether the pandemic has had an impact on the management of eye disorders for patients, and whether it has caused undue stress and anxiety.

If you would like to take part, please click here.

Moorfields: Proposed new centre for eye care, research and education

Today sees the launch of a public planning consultation, which sets out the early designs for the new centre for eye care, research and education. As we progress our plans, we want your views on these early designs. This feedback will be essential in helping us design a centre that is modern, fit for purpose and accessible for users.

You can find out more information on how to have your say on the get involved page of the Oriel website.

“I’m excited to get out on my bike for the Prudential Ride, and raise some much-needed funds for Glaucoma UK.”

Take part in My Ride London on 15th and 16th August.  There’s something for everyone and everything with wheels – whatever your age or ability, you can take part.

To join Joanna sign up here

“I’ve enjoyed cycling for years – it’s a great way to explore the countryside, visit lovely places and get some exercise. I’ve also done some cycling holidays in the past, including through Central America and South East Asia – nothing helps you soak up a landscape like pedalling through it. Doing exercise is a key part of staying healthy, and there’s some evidence that regular exercise can help lower eye pressure – so hopefully I can look after my eye health at the same time.”
“The money we help raise will ensure we can continue to support people with glaucoma, raise awareness of the disease and fund research into its prevention, causes and treatment. Can you pledge to join me, by getting out on 15-16 August for some exercise or donating some money to help save sight?”
Joanna – Head of Support Services- Glaucoma UK

Digital Support Group: Driving and Glaucoma

Our brand new digital support groups allow you to attend from the comfort of your own home and have your questions answered.

Are you interested in attending one of our upcoming meetings? Sign up here

This support group, Driving and glaucoma, was held on the 04 August with Jonathan Clarke of Moorfields Eye Hospital, member of DVLA driver’s medical panel for vision.

Update on developments regarding DVLA’s driving licence services.

As a result of the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, Ministers at the Department for Transport have agreed to adopt a temporary measure to assist drivers in complying with the driving licence renewal requirements.

To make it easier for drivers who need to renew their photocard licence or their entitlement to drive, where their licence expires between 1 February 2020 and 31 August 2020, they will now have a 7-month extension from the date of expiry. This means that they will not need to renew their photocard or entitlement to drive until seven months after the original expiry date. The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to take any action.  The driver record will show the current expiry date on the driving licence, the record will be updated once an application is made to renew the licence at the end of the extension period.  At the end of the extension period they will be sent a renewal reminder form to complete.

If a driver has already applied online to renew their photocard this will be processed as normal.

This extension applies to all full licence renewal applications including short period medical licence and lorry and/or bus renewals. However, it does not apply to provisional driving licences or where the licence needs to be renewed following a disqualification.

By law, all drivers must ensure that they always meet the medical standards for fitness to drive when driving. Information about driving with a medical condition is available on GOV.UK .  If a driver has already applied to DVLA to renew their photocard or their entitlement, they can continue to drive while DVLA is considering their application, providing they have not been told by their doctor or optician that they should not drive.

Further information has been published on GOV.UK advising drivers of this temporary measure: www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla

The glaucoma journey and how COVID-19 is changing eye care

Our brand new digital support groups allow you to attend from the comfort of your own home and have your questions answered.

Are you interested in attending one of our upcoming meetings? Sign up here

This support group, The glaucoma journey and how COVID-19 is changing eye care, was held on the 29th of July

Mr Nick Strouthidis, consultant ophthalmologist and director of medical services at Moorfields Eye Hospital, talks about the glaucoma journey, and how it may change as a result of COVID-19.

Digital support group: glaucoma for the newly diagnosed

Our brand new digital support groups allow you to attend from the comfort of your own home and have your questions answered.

Are you interested in attending one of our upcoming meetings? Sign up here

This support group, Glaucoma for the Newly Diagnosed, was held on the 16th of July, with Dr Hari Jayaram from Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. You can watch it below.

Watch our digital support group about glaucoma eye drops

The way we are meeting and interacting is changing. That’s why we recently launch our new series of digital glaucoma support groups. Information, advice and support is now just a video meeting away. Watch the recording our our latest support group below. And, sign up to attend one of our upcoming meetings to have your questions answered.

Our latest digital support group was hosted by Dr Laura Crawley who spoke about about glaucoma eye drops and answered questions from those who had signed up to attend. Watch it here:

Glaucoma UK professional members make The Ophthalmologist Power List 2020

Ophthalmologists from around the world have been recognised in a list of the most influential people in the world of ophthalmology and we are very proud to congratulate Prof David (Ted) Garway-Heath (Glaucoma UK’s own professor) on making the top 10. Prof Garway-Heath is joined on the power list by Prof Gus Gazzard, who is an active member of our clinical advisory panel.

The Ophthalmologist Power List 2020 honours clinicians, scientists and engineers who have made a significant contribution to their field.

Each nomination celebrates an individual who has made a lasting impact on the field, whether that is through a philanthropic initiative or their ongoing commitment to innovation.

Congratulations Ted and Gus.

Read The Ophthalmologist Power List 2020 in full.

Glaucoma UK Professor, Prof David (Ted) Garway-Heath

Clinical Advisory Panel member, Prof Gus Gazzard

Join our digital glaucoma support groups

Are you worried about your glaucoma? Concerned about a cancelled or delayed appointment? Or do you just want to understand it a little better? Want to hear from some experts and have a chance to ask your questions? We know this is a really scary time for many people, and we want to provide you with the support and advice you need.

We are running a series of digital glaucoma support groups. Like a traditional support group, which unfortunately have been cancelled due to COVID-19, there will be a talk by a glaucoma expert and a Glaucoma UK staff member and an opportunity to ask questions.

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Our new logo explained...

The charity has grown and evolved over the years, and we feel our new name and logo reflects who we are today and gives clarity about what we do.

Our new logo has three sections, representing the three main areas of our work: awareness, support and research.

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New digital support groups starting in July

The COVID-19 pandemic is changed the landscape of eye care services hugely. With non-essential hospital services on hold and most people with glaucoma self-isolating due to their age, the face to face care and support available to people with glaucoma has decreased enormously. Routine, non-emergency operations such as trabeculectomies have been delayed, meaning people may be facing an increased risk of sight loss. All glaucoma support groups have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. We are aware this is an incredibly stressful time for many, and we want to ensure advice and support are available to all who want it.

We have decided to run a series of digital glaucoma support groups. Like a traditional support group, there would be a talk and an opportunity for people to ask any questions they have. We hope to run these with Glaucoma UK staff as well as external experts, such as an optometrist. Each webinar will follow a different theme, for example:...

Mental Health Awareness Week: We're here for you

We are all facing an unprecedented amount of uncertainty at the moment, and with it being Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May) we want to assure you that we are here for you no matter what challenges you are facing in the current pandemic. You are not alone.

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Latest advice on DVLA visual field tests and renewing your driving license

Our helpline are receiving a number of calls regarding booking an appointment at Specsavers for the DVLA visual field test and also calls from people renewing their driving licence.

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Take on the 2.6 challenge

Here’s your chance to be a sight saving hero from your own home – join the #TwoPointSixChallenge.

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We are becoming… Glaucoma UK