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

We will be changing our name to Glaucoma UK in summer 2020.

What’s in a name? Well, as it turns out, a lot. The decision to change our name follows lengthy discussions with patients and professionals about how we can reach more people affected by glaucoma in the UK. When we reviewed the evidence, we found that our current name is holding us back: many people don’t realise we are a charity, and many don’t think we offer support services to people in the UK.

That means we aren’t able to help them. Our members and supporters overwhelmingly felt the name ‘International Glaucoma Association’ doesn’t accurately describe what we do....

Coronavirus: Information for glaucoma patients

The coronavirus pandemic is impacting all NHS services, and eye services are no exception.

If the situation is causing you stress or anxiety, we’re here to support you.  We know that as a nation, we need to support the NHS at this time and we understand there will be sacrifices, but we also know that this isn’t always easy to cope with.  You don’t need to cope alone.  If you’d like to talk to someone just  call our glaucoma helpline on 01233 64 81 70 from Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm....

Download information leaflets

Did you know all our information booklets and leaflets are available to view and download as PDF files?

With the ongoing threat of Coronavirus, we are working hard to make all of our information booklets and leaflets as accessible as possible....

Upcoming IGA events cancelled

2020 Annual General Meeting Postponed

As the situation and response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our meeting with the safety of our members in mind.

The most up to date public advice and information can be found at gov.uk/coronavirus...

We're Recruiting

We’re looking for a new colleague to become our Office Administrator

When?                         Permanent, full time 37.5 hours/week...

World Glaucoma Week 2020 survey. The results are in...

As part of our World Glaucoma Week campaign, we asked people to tell us about how their glaucoma was first detected.

The majority of those who responded to our survey had glaucoma detected via an eye test at an optician – just over three quarters. For over 65% this was via a free NHS sight test – a clear indicator of how vital free eye tests are to detecting conditions like glaucoma....

Important notice regarding our telephone number

We have been made aware that telephone numbers used by our organisation are being ‘spoofed’ by nuisance callers.

Caller ID spoofing is the practice of causing the telephone network to indicate to the receiver of a call that the originator of the call is a number other than the true originating number....

Chloe's 100 miles across Lake Baikal 2020

Chloe is off on her amazing adventure on Friday 14 February.  Together with Dad, Sean, she’ll be bravely setting off on the challenging 150km winter crossing of Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia.  The lake is the oldest and deepest lake in the world and will take them just under seven days to cross.  They will have to pull sledges loaded with their equipment and supplies with them.  Chloe was diagnosed with glaucoma when she was 12 and her nan also has the disease, which is why she is raising money and hopes that one day there will be a cure.

‘My dad and I will be walking 100 miles across frozen lake Baikal. We will be camping on the ice and using sledges to carry our equipment. Being diagnosed at such a young age was a huge shock, not only for myself but also my family. Not many people realise that children can also suffer from this condition and it is not as rare as people may think. Having visited the children’s glaucoma hospital in London on numerous occasions, I was surprised to see the wide age range of children attending the clinic. Due to the wonderful care of my consultant my condition is stable, and I have the opportunity to travel the world and see amazing things, but I am sure this is not the case for many. Therefore, I am trying raise as much money as possible for this charity so the wonderful work they do can continue and maybe one day there will be a cure.’...

IGA Professor David (Ted) Garway-Heath receives national and international awards for his glaucoma work

We are delighted to share news of IGA Professor David Garway-Heath’s recent international and national awards from the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) and the UK Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA).

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Our friends at City, University of London are recruiting…

Acting as a point of contact for the students that use the Clinical Skills and Dispensing laboratories, you will be responsible for loaning equipment out to students and maintaining a log. You may be required to coordinate unsupervised group sessions for students. You will be required to keep the laboratories neat and tidy, ensuring all equipment and registers are locked away at the end of the shift. You will also be responsible for ensuring the laboratories are locked at the end of the shift.

The role is term-time and you will be required to start at 4.30pm. The hours will vary as follows:
From 17th February to 20th March you will work from 4.30 to 6.00pm for 5 weeks
From 23rd March to 3rd April you will work from 4.30 to 5.00pm for 2 weeks...

The new IGA Award for Excellence in Glaucoma Care 2019

This is our new reader-nominated award, to recognise professionals or volunteers who make a real difference to the lives of people living with the condition.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Gus Gazzard and the LiGHT team at Moorfields Eye Hospital

Nominated by Joseph Ross from Hertfordshire.

 

Helpline Christmas availability

We will resume our usual operating hours from Thursday 2 January 2020, where our helpline advisors will be able to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and provide sound advice on protecting your sight....

Road Safety Week 18 - 24 November 2019

Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on a British road and each of these tragedies is preventable.

This Road Safety Week (18-24 November) BRAKE want everyone to “Step up for Safe Streets” and learn about, shout about and celebrate the amazing design-led solutions that will allow us all to get around in safe and healthy ways, every day....

We’re recruiting!!

We’re looking for a new colleague to become our Graphic Designer

When?                     Permanent, part-time 14 hours/week (may be worked flexibly by agreement)...

Study finds sight is most valuable sense to UK public

A new study has revealed that the UK public think sight is the most valuable sense.

Researchers from the Crabb Lab at City, University of London surveyed a cross-section of 250 adults from the UK and asked them to rank how highly they valued each of eight human senses relative to the others....

Subhash Suthar, Development Manager at the IGA, wins new David Burt OBE Award 2019

Our colleague Subhash Suthar, and his contribution to the sight loss community, was recognised on 9 October 2019 when he became the first recipient of the new David Burt OBE Award 2019 at the Vision UK awards.

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IGA and RCOphth £100,000 Ophthalmology research grant

International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) announce prestigious £100,000 Ophthalmology research grant...

Christmas Cards 2019

Sending IGA Christmas cards is a great way to show friends and family that you support our sight saving work.

This year we have some beautiful new designs, some with lovely festive red envelopes, as well as bargain packs and a small selection of our more traditional designs....

100 Voices Campaign

The IGA is pleased to be supporting the 100 Voices campaign, a patient experience initiative for eye services.

EyesWise is an NHS project that aims to save sight and improve lives. Since April 2018, work has been underway in hospital eye services across the country to streamline and speed up outpatient treatment for patients at highest risk of sight loss. As part of EyesWise we are now launching the 100 Voices campaign to find out what it feels like to use those services....

We're supporting the Vision and Eye Health Campaign from @HealthAwarenessUK.

Read more

Moorfields Eye Hospital consultation

If you came along to our AGM back in March you may have heard the IGA Professor of Glaucoma, Ted Garway-Heath talk about plans to relocate Moorfields. A public consultation was held and this is the IGA response:

The IGA supports Moorfields proposal to move services to a new site near St Pancras. The current site at City Road is dated, and no longer fit for purpose. Patients find the site cramped and as a result, appointments are more stressful than they might otherwise be....

Glaucoma grant award £60,000

The IGA and UKEGS are pleased to invite applications up to £60,000 to fund high quality research that enhances the detection and treatment of glaucoma in order to improve the quality of life for patients.

We will consider applications for clinical and laboratory-based research projects into the causes and prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment or improving the quality of life of people of all ages living with glaucoma and allied conditions....

NATIONAL TARIFF CONSULTATION: JUNE 2018 UPDATE

The IGA is working with the Royal College of Ophthalmology, Macular Society and the RNIB to respond to this consultation.

Following the delay, we have now been informed that the consultation will the published at the end of July. Please check back for more information on its publication and how to respond.

New Cardiff Visual Impairment Social Group- coming August 2019

On Thursday 15 August at Llanishen Hub (CARDIFF) a new social group for those living with a visual impairment will be starting from 12 – 2pm.

If you would like more information or If you would like to come along/know of anyone who may be interested then please contact Sue Baskerville: SBaskerville@caerdydd.gov.uk / SBaskerville@cardiff.gov.uk

Interventional Procedures Programme: Non invasive focused ultrasound for the treatment of glaucoma

NICE is carrying out a project on the procedure ‘Non invasive focused ultrasound for the treatment of glaucoma’. We are looking at how well the procedure is working and if it is safe enough to be used more widely in the NHS in the future....

Congratulations to Professor David (Ted) Garway-Heath

We are delighted to announce that Professor David (Ted) Garway-Heath, IGA Professor of Ophthalmology for Glaucoma and Allied Studies, has been voted Top Mentor worldwide in the 2019 ‘power list’ from the Ophthalmologist: https://theophthalmologist.com/power-list/2019

Click on the image to read his short interview....

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and Santen Produce Unique ‘Eye Test’ for World Glaucoma Week

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and specialist ophthalmology company Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, have joined forces to produce a unique interactive ‘eye test’ to demonstrate what the world looks like to people living with glaucoma. The test is part of a joint campaign to raise awareness of the eye condition among younger first-degree relatives of older people most likely to develop glaucoma.

The test will be posted on IGA and Santen social channels (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) and on their respective websites in time for World Glaucoma Week, 10-16 March 2019. The quiz consists of a series of intriguing questions where images are shown that simulate missing objects and cloudy vision which are the hallmark of glaucoma, and leads to more information about glaucoma.
It is estimated that there are 700,000 people with glaucoma in the UK today, but half are undiagnosed. If left untreated glaucoma can lead to serious loss of vision, with up to 40 per cent of sight being permanently lost before the effects are noticed by the individual. Once sight is lost it cannot be recovered. Glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable blindness. Many people are unaware that glaucoma has no symptoms in the early stages, so regular eye health checks (every two years, or every 1-2 years for over 40s, especially where there is a family history of glaucoma) are really important to detect the condition. Early diagnosis and regular treatment, usually with eye drops, can preserve vision and enable people to carry on with their lives.
Commenting on the initiative, Karen Osborn, CEO of the IGA says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Santen in creating this unique quiz to raise awareness of glaucoma among a younger audience. By reaching people via their social channels in a visually impactful way, we hope to create a lasting impression of what glaucoma sight loss looks like, so they can be aware of early symptoms among older relatives and can encourage regular eye checks to pick up the condition early.”...

Ramadan and Eye Drops

Did you see our campaign last year on Eye Drops and Ramadan? Did it change how you instil your drops, during Ramadan or afterwards?

If so we would love to hear from you, to support our campaign for this year....

UK and Éire Glaucoma Society

We are delighted to announce that abstract submission and registration for the 2019 conference are now open. The UKÉGS is due to be held on 21st and 22nd November 2019 at Glasgow Science Centre. For further information, or to register your attendance, please click here.

NICE quality standards

The IGA is supporting the new NICE quality standards for serious eye disorders, covering the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and other eye conditions. Read the full standard here https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs180

DVLA Medical Panel Lay Members: recruitment

Are you passionate about driving and road safety? Do you have an interest in medical conditions and their impact on safe driving? Maybe you’ve got experience as a carer or doing voluntary work? If you do, then the DVLA would love to hear from you!

The DVLA are currently recruiting for lay members for their medical panels, including those for visual disorders. For more information, please visit the Civil Service Jobs website.

Recruitment closes on 3 February 2019

The College of Optometrists is seeking patients or carers from across the UK to join their Public Patients Reference Group

The group provides input from patients and the public to the College’s policies, guidance, and patient resources. For more details and an application form, please go to:

www.college-optometrists.org

IGA Glaucoma Patient Conference, Newcastle 2018- 30th November 2018

Invitation to an IGA Glaucoma Patient Conference, Newcastle 2018

Following the success of our Annual Lectures in London earlier in the year, we decided to hold a similar event for our members in the North East area, and I’m delighted to invite you to join us at a Patient Conference on Friday 30 November at The Great Hall, Sutherland Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne....

Devon in Sight - Community Sight Loss Hubs

Rural isolation and bad transport links were one of the reasons why Devon in Sight decided to take their services out into the community by creating Community Sight Loss Hubs.

They now have regular ‘Talk and Support Groups’ over a dozen locations across the county where clients have the opportunity to meet with others with sight loss, hear about the services available for them in their community and receive specialist training....

IGA Glaucoma Patient Conference, Manchester 2018

Following the success of our Annual Lectures in London earlier in the year, we have decided to hold a similar event for our members in the North West, and we are delighted to announce that there will be a Patient Conference on Tuesday 16 October at the Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, Aytoun Street M1 3AE.

The event starts at 2.30pm with a lecture from Mr Leon Au, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH), who will be speaking about new advances in glaucoma treatment. Following on, Cecilia Fenerty, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at MREH will talk about the changing face of glaucoma care in the UK. The afternoon will finish with a Q&A panel where you will be able to put questions to Leon, Cecilia and other leading glaucoma experts. There will also be a drinks reception from 5pm to 6.30pm....

Brake joins forces with police to rid roads of defective driver vision

Road safety charity Brake is teaming up with police forces in Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands to run a month-long campaign on driver vision, revoking the licences of those who don’t pass the 20m number plate check.

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Engagement on the 2019 tariff

We have just received the following announcement regarding the NHS tariff consultation

We are currently working with NHS England to develop our policies for the 2019 national tariff....

IGA comments on use of AI for eye disease detection

Karen Osborn, Chief Executive “These are exciting results and there is no doubt that AI will play a role in the detection and monitoring of glaucoma. The use of technology to reduce the stress on hospital services and help optometrists with referral will ensure that people are correctly prioritised and appropriate treatment is commenced”.

FULL RELEASE...

IGA receives lottery funding

We are delighted to have received some funding from the National Lottery.  This contribution will help us work more efficiently in providing support to people within their local community. Thank you to the players for helping to prevent glaucoma sight loss.

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National Tariff Consultation June 2018 – RCOphth, RNIB, IGA and Macular Society collaborate on response

In preparation for the National Tariff Consultation due to be released 14 June 2018, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and patient organisations; Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and the Macular Society, have collaborated on key messages that will be used in response to the consultation. This group have written to NHS Improvement to make them aware of:

The key messages from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and our partner patient organisations are outlined below and we encourage patients and medical and healthcare professionals working in the hospital eye services to respond to the upcoming National Tariff Consultation.  The Royal College of Ophthalmologists encourages our members to either respond to the consultation or provide comments and feedbackto Laura Coveney, Policy Researcher, laura.coveney@rcophth.ac.uk...

Eye health services failing people with glaucoma

The International Glaucoma Association response to the

All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment Report...

Joint IGA and Fight for Sight Research grant

A new small grant is available, jointly funded by the International Glaucoma Association and Fight for Sight. For further details please see   https://www.fightforsight.org.uk/apply-for-funding/funding-opportunities/small-grant-awards-schemes/

A focus on dry eye and glaucoma for National Glaucoma Awareness Week

Teary-eyed?

The impact of dry eye on people with glaucoma...

URGENT: Invite your MP to important eye care event 6 June

Act now to stop people losing sight due to delayed and cancelled hospital appointments

Make sure the Government prioritises eye care by asking your MP to attend a Parliamentary reception to learn how they can help to stop people losing sight....

High level Education Strategic Review consultation responses show support for new education approach

The GOC has published some high level findings from its Education Strategic Review concepts and principles consultation.

The high level summary publication shows 97 per cent of respondents agreed with the development of new education standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians. 82 per cent agreed with embedding clinical experience progressively from the start of education programmes....

IGA and Specsavers team up for World Glaucoma Week

Specsavers teams up-skill awareness in glaucoma – the silent thief of sight

IN THE build up to World Glaucoma Week (11-18 March) all Specsavers teams are up-skilling to better support patients with the condition....

Moorfields appoints IGA trustee, Nick Strouthidis as its new medical director

Fight for Sight announces 13 new awards to fund vital eye research

Fight for Sight partners with nine different organisations to fund impactful and innovative research

Fight for Sight, the leading eye research charity, has awarded grants totalling over £180,000 for thirteen vital research projects in partnership with nine different organisations. Fight for Sight has doubled its partnership working from the previous year, to further extend their impact and support for innovative research....

IGA wins commendation at Ophthalmology Awards 2017

The IGA together with Princess Alexander Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian receives a commendation for a local patient-led support group for Scotland aimed at reaching out to patients to improve awareness of glaucoma in the community.

‘Glaucoma Support Edinburgh’ was formed by a group of patients to address several unmet needs as the NHS now believe patients should take responsibility for their own health, and a support group/forum where patients can build their knowledge is an aid to this goal. The initiative began by recruiting a small group of patients, representatives from the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) and glaucoma specialists from the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, to form a project steering committee....

Delayed glaucoma appointments: IGA guidance

Hospital eye clinics across the UK have never been so busy. Increasing numbers of our members are facing delayed or cancelled appointments, which is understandably causing a good deal of worry, so we have put this guidance together to help anyone having problems with appointments. It is aimed at people new to the system as well as those familiar with eye clinics....

IGA partners with Hospital Pharmacy Europe to increase awareness about glaucoma eye drops

Hospital Pharmacy Europe (HPE) and the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) are delighted to announce their partnership for 2017. The IGA will be attending the 2017 HPE LIVE conference, taking place on 21 November at Olympia London, where we will meet with hospital pharmacy teams from across the UK. The HPE LIVE team have this year worked hard to grow their partnership with key organisations involved with pharmacy and given the work that the we do, for example #DropsAndYou and our involvement with hospital pharmacy teams, it was an obvious choice to partner up!

The HPE LIVE conference is an important date in the calendar for hospital pharmacists. The one day, free-to-attend event provides the chance to take a break from work and gain high quality, clinical updates from a panel of experts. With five streams of presentations and talks on offer, plus a Poster Zone where attendees can showcase their innovative projects and research, a Demo Zone, and exhibition, this is an event not-to-be-missed....

The IGA welcomes new NICE glaucoma guideline

The IGA welcomes the publication of the revised NICE glaucoma guideline. This provides clear referral criteria so that people are monitored in the setting which is most appropriate to them. Many can be managed by community optometrists with the relevant training, which is often more convenient. This lessens the number of people with a low risk of developing glaucoma, being sent to hospitals, which are often over-stretched and struggling to cope with the demand on their services”.

https://www.nice.org.uk/news/article/people-at-a-low-risk-of-developing-glaucoma-can-avoid-unnecessary-referral-says-nice

The IGA is looking for a new Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees

The IGA is looking for a new Hon. Treasurer to replace Alan Vaughan, who retires from the role in March 2018.

We are seeking someone who shares our commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of people living with glaucoma, who is a good communicator and can bring strong finance skills and strategic awareness to the Board....

Glaucoma patients representative needed to help shape NHS research

A patient or member of the public from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes) or Berkshire is being sought to help shape NHS research in the Thames Valley through the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, which is part of the NHS.

A brief article about the role is below and full details are available at this link:...

National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2017 New Research Shows Lack of Awareness of the Need for Regular Eye Pressure Checks

9 June 2017

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) reveals new research showing lack of awareness of the need to have regular eye pressure checks, as it launches its ‘Pressure checked? #GetEyeWise’ campaign for National Glaucoma Awareness Week, from 12-18 June....

Pressure checked? MOT your eyes today and save sight loss from glaucoma #GetEyeWise

The International Glaucoma Association is focusing on the importance of eye pressure in detecting glaucoma as part of National Glaucoma Awareness Week (12 – 18 June 2017).

People regularly check the pressure in car tyres, the boiler and even check their blood pressure regularly but who thinks about eye pressure?...

IGA trustee Professor Anthony King comments on new test to detect glaucoma

“This is a potentially significant new test. It is novel in its application. There is no real comparable test available that looks at the eye in such a detailed way and it would certainly add to our current ability to evaluate patients with glaucoma. The researchers have shown that it appears to be safe and it can identify patients who have glaucoma and it is possibly predictive of patients who will have glaucoma progression so all of that is very positive for the future.

“It is a very experimental paper and the way that the test is administered wouldn’t be at all practical in the NHS. It’s time consuming and involves an intravenous injection. Patients need to have pupils dilated and then there is a need to have scans so they would have to remain in the department for several hours, so it would be both time consuming for the patient and time consuming for the ophthalmology service. However it’s likely that with future research these things could be refined significantly to hone it down to a more efficient delivery....

The IGA welcomes new eye test which can detect earliest signs of glaucoma

Chief executive, Karen Osborn comments on the new test developed by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the Western Eye Hospital:

“This is an exciting trial for people with glaucoma, as early diagnosis is critical to help prevent avoidable sight loss. This latest test could help clinicians to diagnose and treat glaucoma when the loss of sight from glaucoma is at its earliest stage”....

IGA Professor of Glaucoma recognised as one of most influential people in ophthalmology today

IGA Professor of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma and Allied Studies is recognised for the second consecutive year as one of the most influential people in ophthalmology today. For the second year running, Professor David Garway-Health has been included on the Ophthalmologist Power List 2016.

Comments Russell Young; “Professor Garway-Heath’s achievements are considerable. We are fortunate that, as well as his work as the Vice President of the European Glaucoma Society, his work with the University of London, his Consultant position at Moorfields Eye Hospital, he is also able to act as a clinical advisor and spokesperson for the IGA”....

Glaucoma support meeting in Buxton for patients and carers on 31 March

A free information and support event for people affected by eye disease glaucoma, is being held in Buxton on Friday 31 March – all welcome.

The International Glaucoma Association will be joining forces with glaucoma experts from Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust for the support meeting in Buxton Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Street, SK17 6HX from 1.30pm until 3-30pm....

New self-advocacy pilot launches to help prevent sight loss for eye patients

14 March 2017

Patients are being helped to take care of their sight under a new pilot scheme to end cancelled, delayed or missed eye clinic appointments....

Specsavers and IGA partnership to raise glaucoma awareness

PRESS RELEASE
17 February 2017

Specsavers and the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) are joining up in a million pound health information campaign to raise awareness of glaucoma and encourage people to have regular eye examinations....

Events for Visually Impaired Visitors January – March 2017

All V&A events are accessible to blind or partially sighted visitors, and an accompanying friend or carer may claim free entry. We also offer concessionary entry to V&A exhibitions for blind or partially sighted visitors and free entry for up to 2 friends or carers.

We hope your visit to the V&A will be easy and enjoyable. To arrange for specific support, please contact the V&A Contact Centre....

IGA Response to Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) Driven to despair, “How drivers have been let down by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency”, 20 October 2016

Comments Karen Osborn, Chief Executive International Glaucoma Association

“The IGA welcomes the findings and recommendations in the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report, and in particular the need for clear evidence-based standards to assess whether people with glaucoma are fit to drive....

NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK: TOP SURGEON WARNS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF MISSING GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

As part of the IGA’s ‘It’s Black or White, Save your Sight. Use your Eye Drops.’ campaign, for this year’s National Eye Health Week* (19-25 September), IGA Chair and Consultant Ophthalmologist, Keith Barton warns that correct and regular instillation of eye drops is essential to control glaucoma.

There are an estimated 600,000 people with glaucoma in the UK today. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually by excessive pressure within the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to serious loss of vision, with up to 40 per cent of sight being permanently lost before the effects are noticed by the individual.   Fortunately glaucoma is the most common cause of preventable blindness and for the majority of glaucoma patients, daily eye drops are a simple solution to control their condition and save their sight....

2016 IGA/RCN RESEARCH AWARD FOR DEBRA JONES OF HINCHINBROOKE HOSPITAL

Debra Jones, a Glaucoma Specialist Nurse, together with Professor Rupert Bourne, at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, have won a £25,0000 research grant after applying for the 2016 IGA (International Glaucoma Association) and RCN Research Grant.  The award will fund their 12 month project entitled, Development of an evidence-based clinical tool that will predict ‘risk of non-adherence’ to topically applied glaucoma medication.

The aim of Debra Jones’ and Professor Bourne’s research is to investigate factors that may affect patients adhering to their eye drop medications for glaucoma and to develop a simple evidence-based clinical tool that will predict ‘risk of non-adherence’ that may be of use in assessing patients in the clinical setting.  In the long term it should produce a better understanding of the relationship between patient factors such as ocular surface disease, patient knowledge and treatment non-adherence to help deliver more patient-centred care in the future....

Eye health sector intervenes to stop patients losing sight

Warnings that hospital initiated delays and cancelled follow up appointments are at crisis point, putting patients’ sight at risk, have led to a new cross-sector initiative. It aims to release pressure off the hospital eye health services by treating more people in the community.

To meet these challenges the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning (CCEHC), representing the major charity, clinical and provider organisations in the sector, has stepped in to launch a new Primary Eye Care Framework¹Â for eye health services. The Framework will help commissioners address capacity issues in their area by delivering more support in primary care settings, in line with the NHS Five year Forward View....

IGA and SeeAbility introduce new eye drops for glaucoma fact sheet

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA)  and the charity SeeAbility have introduced a new easy to read fact sheet. It shows how to put eye drops for glaucoma into the eye correctly. The fact sheet contains clear photographs and descriptions of how to use the eye drop bottles and how to place a drop in the eye. It also covers what devices are available to help, and where to go for further help and advice.

Karen Brewer, Head of Communications at IGA, said: “We hope that the fact sheet will be useful for a wide range of audiences. This includes anyone who needs eye drops for glaucoma, or people who care or work with someone who needs assistance....

Family Focus for National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2016 as IGA Urges Regular Eye Checks for Families of Glaucoma Patients

For this year’s National Glaucoma Awareness Week, 6-12 June, The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is focusing on the need for close relatives of a known glaucoma patient, to have regular eye checks to prevent possible sight loss. Parents, children, brothers or sisters are up to four times more likely to develop glaucoma, when compared to people without a family history of glaucoma*.

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Mr William Blake FCIT FILT FIEM 2 September 1929 to 27 May 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce that Mr William (Bill) Blake, former IGA Trustee passed away quietly on Friday 27th May, aged 86.

Bill made an enormous contribution to the IGA in his many years as Honorary Treasurer, Chairman of the Chair Trust and later Vice Chair of the charity....

New CEO for International Glaucoma Association

Karen Osborn will join the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) as CEO at the end of July 2016. Karen has a strong background in developing both strategy and services for people with visual impairments, having spent the past nine years as CEO for Kent Association for the Blind.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of the IGA, Keith Barton says, “Karen stood out in a competitive field as our unanimous choice to lead the IGA.  She has an exceptional record of working with other charities, and we were impressed by her enthusiasm and ideas for the IGA. She has the experience, charisma and strategic outlook to take service provision forward and to enhance our role as a research funder”....

IGA response to Royal College of Ophthalmologists increasing demand on hospital eye services

People with glaucoma are increasingly being let down by eye clinic departments with cancelled appointments as they are being overwhelmed by an increase in the number of patients being diagnosed and living with glaucoma. The impact this can have on a person with glaucoma is significant. Glaucoma often occurs because of raised pressure in the eye, which leads to damage to the optic nerve, causing sight loss. Once sight is lost from glaucoma, it cannot be recovered. Life-long treatment, often in the form of eye drops, is needed in order to control eye pressure.

...

Professor of Ophthalmology for Glaucoma and Allied Studies takes up position as European Glaucoma Society Vice President

Professor David (Ted) Garway-Heath, the IGA Professor of Ophthalmology for Glaucoma and Allied Studies, has been appointed Vice President of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) and takes up his full position in 2016. His first meeting as Vice President of the EGS takes place at the annual meeting in June 2016.

...

Vision Express and IGA working together for World Glaucoma Week 2016

The International Glaucoma Association is focusing on the need for regular eye health checks to detect glaucoma, during this year’s World Glaucoma Week 2016. With 64 million people with glaucoma globally, and an estimated rise to 76 million, it is vital that people recognise the importance of eye health.

A visit to the optometrist will quickly detect whether there is a risk of glaucoma, and once diagnosed, glaucoma can be treated. Although any sight lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with regular treatment, useful sight can be maintained for life. This is particularly true in the UK, where it is estimated that there are 600,000 people with glaucoma, but around 50 per cent of these people are undiagnosed....

Specsavers and IGA raise awareness of glaucoma during World Glaucoma Week 2016

The International Glaucoma Association is focusing on the need for regular eye health checks to detect glaucoma, during this year’s World Glaucoma Week 2016. With 64 million people with glaucoma globally and an estimated rise to 76 million, it is vital that people recognise the importance of eye health.

A visit to the optometrist will quickly detect whether there is a risk of glaucoma, and once diagnosed, glaucoma can be treated. Although any sight lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with regular treatment, useful sight can be maintained for life. This is particularly true in the UK, where it is estimated that there are 600,000 people with glaucoma, but around 50 per cent of these people are undiagnosed....

How visual conditions affect sight: Living with glaucoma

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) provided advice and comment on what London looks like through the eyes of someone living with glaucoma.

Here is the full article where you can see how glaucoma affects sight....

Glaucoma and relatives, help to save sight

“Family Foresight” Raising awareness of glaucoma amongst relatives and the need for regular health checks

This year’s National Glaucoma Awareness campaign (6-12 June 2016) focuses on the need for regular eye health checks for parents, children, brothers and sisters, if glaucoma has been diagnosed in the family. Close relatives are four times more likely to develop the condition, when compared to someone without a family history. We believe that everyone should have regular eye health checks, at least every two years and will be working with optometrists, eye clinic staff, voluntary groups and people across the country to help prevent people losing sight unnecessarily....

Response from the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) about Faulty visual field machine used for DVLA fitness to drive tests.

Comments Russell Young, CEO, International Glaucoma Association (IGA):

“The IGA is extremely concerned that a fault with one of the machines used to assess a person’s fitness to drive will have led to some people with glaucoma having their driving licence wrongly revoked. The DVLA requires a visual field test to assess whether a driver with glaucoma is safe to drive....

National Eye Health Week: International Glaucoma Association Announces New Research Projects

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) announces five new joint research projects during National Eye Health Week* (21-27 September) in a bid to improve treatments and quality of life for glaucoma patients.

A two year joint study with the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society is being conducted by Robert Harper, Optometrist Consultant of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to evaluate patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of virtual monitoring clinics in the UK....

National Eye Health Week: International Glaucoma Association Announces New Liverpool Research Project

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) announces a new Liverpool based research projects during National Eye Health Week* (21-27 September) in a bid to improve treatments and quality of life for glaucoma patients.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Commonest Form of Glaucoma’
The IGA and the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS) is funding research by Dr Neeru Vallabh of the University of Liverpool to understand the role mitochondrial defects and mutations play in the development of the commonest form of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
A few studies have detected evidence of mitochondrial gene defects in glaucoma. New gene sequencing techniques have emerged which lend themselves to the study of mitochondrial genetics. A pilot study in 30 glaucoma patients which has just been published used this technology to detect disease causing DNA mutation in 50% of the patients. The new IGA and UKEGS study aims to build on this work and investigate the effect these mutations have on the development of glaucoma.

Dr Vallabh explains: ‘Our lack of understanding of the causes of glaucoma is a major obstacle to the development of new therapeutic approaches for this significant condition. Identifying the role of mitochondrial defects and mutations in the development of glaucoma will increase our understanding of this common, sight-threatening condition.’...

National Eye Health Week: International Glaucoma Association Announces New Nottingham Research Project

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) announces a new Nottingham based research project during National Eye Health Week* (21-27 September) in a bid to improve treatments and quality of life for glaucoma patients.
Quality of life assessment in glaucoma patients undergoing glaucoma surgery
The IGA and the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS) is funding research by Professor Anthony King of Nottingham University Hospital to profile the quality of life of glaucoma patients at different stages of treatment. The study will look at whether patients’ personalities affect the outcome of their glaucoma treatment and will allow comparisons between alternative glaucoma approaches. This will enable clinicians to include accurate information in discussions about surgical options available and in patient information about proposed treatments.
Professor King explains: ‘Quality of Life is a measure of the patient’s health and this is affected by the medical conditions from which they suffer and the treatments they experience. In glaucoma many patients require glaucoma surgery, and, in addition to undergoing an operation, this also results in frequent hospital visits and often a very intensive eye drop regime. Understanding the way glaucoma interventions impact on a patient’s quality of life and the different impacts of the various available interventions would be helpful in counselling patients prior to surgery and informing their expectations.’
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National Eye Health Week: International Glaucoma Association Calls on Drivers Over 45 to Get Their Eyes Tested

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is calling on all drivers over 45 to get their eye sight tested, by asking them to consider their safety and that of their passengers and other road users. As part of the IGA’s ‘Are You Safe to Drive’ campaign, the focus for this year’s National Eye Health Week* (21-27 September) is the millions of drivers over the age of 45 that could be risking losing their driving licence and who could be a danger on the roads by not taking an eye test every 1-2 years as recommended. A recent survey by the IGA** showed that 18% of the 1,000 over 45s surveyed said they had either not had an eye test in the last five years, or had never had one at all, with marked difference between men and women (21 per cent versus 16 per cent).
With the autumn equinox on 23rd September heralding the darkening winter nights and the clocks due to go back on 25th October, the IGA points out that driving at night is when many people find that their eye sight is not as good as it should be. A recent survey by the Eyecare Trust and Westfield health insurers found that more than half of Britain’s 34 million motorists struggle to see when driving after dark, whilst many more avoid driving at night altogether. A separate three-year study conducted by Zurich found that accidents increased by 11 per cent in the fortnight directly after the clocks go back, compared to the preceding two weeks.
The recent IGA survey showed that financial considerations can prevent many people from having an eye test, as 36% of those surveyed said the reason they don’t take an eye test is that they worry about the cost. Patients living in the most deprived areas of the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with twice as much vision loss compared to those from the least deprived regions. The IGA together with the College of Optometrists is therefore announcing an 18 month research project in association with Deanna Taylor and Professor David Crabb of City University London, to hold pop up glaucoma testing clinics to see if public engagement or detection rate of suspect glaucoma is greater in ‘deprived’ areas, compared to more ‘prosperous’ areas.
Russell Young, CEO of the IGA comments, ‘For this year’s National Eye Health Week we are asking all drivers, especially those over the age of 45, to have regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician) to ensure they are safe to drive. We are delighted that Vision Express is offering free eye tests to anyone visiting its stores during the week.’
Continues Young: ‘We know that cost of eye tests can put people off having an eye test, so this National Eye Health Week we are pleased to announce our pop up eye clinic research study.

Results from this work will be used to show that glaucoma detection is a public health challenge, while the pop up clinic itself will be an opportunity for us to educate the public about glaucoma and the importance of regular eye tests and to provide information about local optometrists.’
Professor David Crabb of City University London comments ‘Retail pop up booths in high streets and in shopping centres are common – we propose one for glaucoma! The idea is to move glaucoma detection to communities that we think are hard to reach. The IGA funding is absolutely brilliant because it allows us to pilot the feasibility of glaucoma testing on the high street – literally!’
Glaucoma and Driving
With a sight loss condition such as glaucoma, drivers won’t know that they are putting their passengers at risk unless they have regular eye health checks. There are no early symptoms of glaucoma and the condition is more common in people over the age of 40. There is at least a four times increased risk of developing glaucoma if you have a close blood relative with the condition (father, mother, brother, sister, or child). People with glaucoma that has caused damage to vision in both eyes are required by law to report their condition to the DVLA. If they fail to do so they can face a criminal conviction, a fine up to £1000 and may be uninsured to drive. The IGA survey showed 5% of those surveyed wouldn’t report glaucoma to the DVLA if advised by a health professional, either because they think it would stop them from driving, or because they don’t think they need to.
Around 10 per cent of the calls to the IGA helpline (01233 648 178) are from people worried about whether their glaucoma is going to affect their ability to drive. Fortunately the majority of those that report to the DVLA will not need further tests, and of those that do, the majority will be found safe to drive
The IGA has a leaflet on glaucoma and driving, which is approved by the DVLA, which can be accessed by visiting www.glaucoma-association.com or via Sightline by calling 01233 64 81 78
-ENDS-
Note to editors:...

National Eye Health Week: International Glaucoma Association Announces New Manchester Research Projects

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) announces two Manchester based research projects during National Eye Health Week* (21-27 September) in a bid to improve treatments and quality of life for glaucoma patients.
Evaluation of Virtual clinics for Glaucoma Care
A two year joint study with the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society is being conducted by Robert Harper, Optometrist Consultant of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to evaluate patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of virtual monitoring clinics in the UK.
The past decade has seen different measures to monitor glaucoma patients with a number of NHS Trusts using ‘Virtual Clinics’ as part of the solution, where data is collected on the day a patient visits either a hospital or a community clinic, often using electronic patient records which are then analysed by an expert clinician without the patient being there. Very little is known about patients’ experiences and perceptions of virtual clinics, or about clinicians’ opinions of them and the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust study will investigate this through online surveys, focus groups and interviews.
Commenting on the study, Robert Harper of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says: ‘It is so fundamental to collate both the patient and practitioner viewpoints to inform the way in which we run our clinics and this virtual clinic research aims to address key deficiencies in information in this respect.’
Patients’ and Carers’ Perspectives of Managing Glaucoma when Living with Dementia
A joint research study with the Royal College of Nursing is being run by Professor Heather Waterman of the University of Manchester to better understand how people living with dementia manage a sight threatening condition such as glaucoma. About one in four people who have severe visual impairment from glaucoma also have a diagnosis of dementia. It is more difficult to assess and treat glaucoma when people also live with dementia and together they compound feelings of distress and disorientation.
This study aims to support the development of clinical guidance on how glaucoma services can be improved to meet the needs of people living with dementia.
Commenting on the new research projects, CEO of the IGA Russell Young says, ’We are delighted to be announcing two new research projects during National Eye Health Week, which will may improve the management and daily lives of glaucoma patients. Robert Harper of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor Heather Waterman of the University of Manchester are both extremely highly respected in optometry and we are delighted to be working with them on these crucial glaucoma research projects.’
-ENDS-
Note to editors:

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye (the optic nerve) is damaged where it leaves the eye. This nerve carries information about what is being seen from the eye to the brain and as it becomes damaged vision is lost....

Tiny tube made of jelly to stop you losing your sight: Implant could help thousands who have glaucoma

A gelatine tube that’s injected into the eye could help thousands who have glaucoma, a condition that affects 600,000 people in Britain.

It is triggered by fluid building up in the eye, and can lead to blindness if left untreated....

Treatment of Advanced Glaucoma Study (TAGS)

18 July 2014

A new study comparing treatments for advanced glaucoma has recently started. TAGS will compare two standard NHS treatments – medical management (eye drops) or surgery (trabeculectomy) – to find out which is better in terms of participants’ quality of life....

Northern Irish Over 45 Shun Eye Tests Which Could Protect their Driving Licence and Vision

Millions of drivers over the age of 45 could be risking losing their driving licence and potentially their vision, by not taking an eye test every 1-2 years as recommended by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). According to a new survey of 1,000 over 45s, commissioned by the IGA, 25% of Northern Irish surveyed said they had not had an eye test in the last five years, compared to the national average of 14% who haven’t had an eye test in the last five years. The survey also showed a marked difference between men and women nationally, as 21% of men said they hadn’t had an eye test in the last two years, compared with 16% of women.

The IGA commissioned the survey for National Glaucoma Awareness Week (8th-14th June 2015). This year’s campaign, ‘Can You See to Drive?’, encourages people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician) that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma as it has no symptoms in the early stages, but, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and will be safe to drive for many years. In fact 33% of Northern Irish did not know what glaucoma is, compared with the national average of 16% who don’t have any knowledge of the condition. Also, only 17% of Northern Irish surveyed correctly knew there are no early symptoms of glaucoma....

Home/News Welsh Over 45 Shun Eye Test Which Could Protect their Driving Licence and Vision

Millions of drivers over the age of 45 could be risking losing their driving licence and potentially their vision, by not taking an eye test every 1-2 years as recommended by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). According to a new survey of 1,000 adults over the age of 45, commissioned by the IGA, 11% of the Welsh surveyed said they had either not had an eye test in the last five years, or had never had one at all. The survey also showed a marked difference nationally between men and women, as 21% of men said they hadn’t had an eye test in the last two years, compared with 16% of women.

The IGA commissioned the survey for National Glaucoma Awareness Week (8th-14th June 2015). This year’s campaign, ‘Can You See to Drive?’, encourages people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician) that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma as it has no symptoms in the early stages, but, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and will be safe to drive for many years. In fact only 16% of the Welsh surveyed correctly knew there are no early symptoms of glaucoma....

Scots Over 45 Shun Eye Tests Which Could Protect their Driving Licence and Vision

Millions of drivers over the age of 45 could be risking losing their driving licence and potentially their vision, by not taking an eye test every 1-2 years as recommended by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). According to a new survey of 1,000 adults over the age of 45 commissioned by the IGA, 23% of Scots surveyed haven’t had an eye test in the last five years, compared with the national average of 18% who haven’t had a test in the last five years. The survey also showed a marked difference between men and women nationally, as 21% of men said they hadn’t had an eye test in the last two years, compared with 16% of women.

The IGA commissioned the survey for National Glaucoma Awareness Week (8th-14th June 2015). This year’s campaign, ‘Can You See to Drive?’, encourages people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician) that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma as it has no symptoms in the early stages, but, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and will be safe to drive for many years. In fact only 13% of Scots surveyed correctly knew there are no early symptoms of glaucoma....

45s Shun Eye Tests Which Could Protect their Driving Licence and Vision

Millions of drivers over the age of 45 could be risking losing their driving licence and potentially their vision, by not taking an eye test every 1-2 years as recommended by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). According to a new survey by the IGA, 18% of the 1,000 over 45s surveyed said they had either not had an eye test in the last five years, or had never had one at all. In the regions, 23% of Scots, 25% of those in Northern Ireland and 24% in the East Midlands haven’t had an eye test in the last five years, or have never had one at all compared with the national average of 18%. The survey also showed a marked difference between men and women, as 21% of men said they hadn’t had an eye test in the last two years, compared with 16% of women.

The IGA commissioned the survey for National Glaucoma Awareness Week (8th-14th June 2015). This year’s campaign, ‘Can You See to Drive?’, encourages people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician) that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma as it has no symptoms in the early stages, but, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and will be safe to drive for many years. In fact only 24% of those surveyed correctly knew there are no early symptoms of glaucoma....

Can you see to drive? National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2015

The focus for National Glaucoma Awareness Week, 8-14 June 2015 is on driving and encouraging people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist (optician), that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma, as it has no symptoms in the early stages. But, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and be safe to drive for many years.

Driving and our ability and safety to do so, is something that many people take for granted. Yet, how many people have a regular eye health check to ensure that their vision is accurate? Even if a person can see a number plate at 20 metres, how many have been tested for glaucoma which affects vision?...

Marking World Glaucoma Week, 8 - 14 March 2015

4 March 2015

Next week marks the beginning of World Glaucoma Week (8 – 14 March), where countries around the world raise awareness of the importance of regular eye health checks....

National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2015: are you safe to drive?

27 January 2015

This year’s National Glaucoma Awareness Week will take place on the 8 – 14 June 2015. The focus will be on driving and encouraging people to have regular eye health checks to ensure that they are safe to drive. It is only with regular eye health checks through a local optometrist, that people will know if their driving vision is affected. This is particularly important with glaucoma, as it has no early symptoms. But, with early detection and continued treatment people will often retain useful sight for life and be safe to drive for many years....

The Lancet: Most commonly prescribed glaucoma drug reduces risk of vision loss by more than 50 per cent over 2 years

19 December 2014

Prostaglandin analogue eye drops, the most commonly prescribed treatment for glaucoma, can greatly reduce risk of vision loss in people with open angle glaucoma (OAG), one of the leading causes of blindness, according to the first placebo-controlled trial to assess their vision-preserving effect published in The Lancet....

European Coalition for Vision calls for more harmonized data collected at EU level

10 December 2014

European Coalition for Vision (ECV) regrets the lack of data on vision impairment in Europe and calls for more harmonized data collected at EU level to provide better policy advice to decision-makers. Vision is a vital part of the health dimension that is too often neglected. ECV’s objective is promote a EU eye health indicator that would address this issue.  European Coalition for Vision welcomes the report “Health at a glance: Europe 2014” presented on 3rd December 2014 by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis. The report, based mainly on the European Core Health Indicators (ECHI), highlights key trends in health, providing a state of play of Europe’s health.  Chair of ECV, Mr. Peter Ackland, stated: “This report is essential as it provides a good overview of the state of health in the member states. We call on the Commission and Member States to develop and promote a EU eye health indicator, that would complement the data on health to include the field of vision – that would help stimulate further public policy actions in the eye health domain”.  Representing professional bodies, patient groups, European and national health, and disability NGOs as well as trade associations representing suppliers, the ECV aims at raising the profile of eye health and vision to reduce the unacceptably high levels of avoidable vision impairment and blindness, and to secure an equal and inclusive society for those with low vision and irreversible blindness in Europe.  More information on ECV can be found: http://www.ecvision.eu/ Manifesto: http://www.ecvision.eu/manifesto/  For further information on the European Coalition for Vision, please contact:  Zoe Gray zgray@iapb.org

Visual component of UK driving test needs modernising

26 November 2014

Researchers from City University London have found that the visual component of the UK driving test is outdated....

Home/News New Driving and Glaucoma leaflet available

21 November 2014

The new Driving and glaucoma leaflet is now available, free of charge from the IGA. The leaflet includes information on when to report glaucoma to the DVLA, the tests that the DVLA will ask the applicant to take, what to expect from the tests and from the testing optometrist (optician). Additional information includes clarification on the testing conditions for the visual field test and the fact that up to three visual field tests can be taken in certain circumstances....

How watching TV can help to detect glaucoma

20 November 2014

Professor David Crabb of City of London University explains on the BBC World Service, how research has used eye tracking software coupled with popular TV, to detect glaucoma. The research is fascinating and shows how advances in technology, investment in eye tracking software, can be used to both help and provide possible options for ongoing management of the condition, which is life-long.

Bono helps to raise awareness of glaucoma

21 October 2014

The recent announcement by U2 lead singer Bono having had glaucoma for the last 20 years, has helped to raise national and international awareness of the sight loss condition. Whilst it is estimated that there are 600,000 people with glaucoma in the UK today, about half of these are undiagnosed. Widespread national press coverage of Bono’s announcement will lead to more people thinking about their eye health, and having regular checks at their local optician.

World Sight Day 2014

BRUSSELS, 09.10.2014

On the occasion of World Sight Day, the European Coalition for Vision (ECV) set an ambitious objective to leverage vision and eye health at European level. World Sight Day is a global event that focuses on bringing attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is observed worldwide on the second Thursday of October each year....

New Sight loss guide for general practitioners

3 October 2014 Comments Russell Young, CEO of the IGA on the launch of the new Sight loss in older people guide for general practitioners: “It is estimated there are 600,000 people with glaucoma in the UK, but half remain undetected, GPs can play a vital role in helping to identify people with an increased risk of glaucoma. This includes first degree relatives of a known glaucoma patient, people of African Caribbean descent, myopics and diabetics. GPs can recommend these people, as well as those over the age of 40, have regular eye health checks. GPs are also ideally placed to ensure glaucoma patients are taking their eye drops correctly and are continuing to renew prescriptions. All too often, we hear of patients who struggle with the dropper bottle, have difficulty administering the drop to the eye, and then default from treatment. Glaucoma is life-long, and without the drops, glaucoma patients are at risk of losing sight. We look forward to working with primary care in the future, and are delighted with the launch of this Sight loss in older people guide”.

Survey reveals GPs not confident in detecting eye conditions

1 October 2014

A new survey produced by UK Vision Strategy and the Royal College of General Practitioners, reveals that GPs in the UK are not confident in detecting early signs of major eye disease. When asked about diagnosing glaucoma, over half (51 per cent) said that they would not be confident....

National Eye Health Week 22 to 28 September 2014

The IGA will be supporting the fifth National Eye Health Week (NEHW) which takes place on the 22 – 28 September 2014.  The week provides an opportunity for eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the UK to join together to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all. The IGA will be providing promotional stands in hospitals through Kent, and profiling glaucoma and its impact on vision in national newspaper supplements.

The IGA at Notting Hill Carnival 2014

27 August 2014

Raising awareness of the need for eye tests amongst the African Caribbean community at Notting Hill Carnival 2014. Click on the Notting Hill Carnival live stream link: http://www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com/

IGA campaign extends to Notting Hill Carnival 2014

20 August 2014

The International Glaucoma Association will be advertising at the Notting Hill Carnival (23 to 25 August) as part of the organisations campaign to raise awareness of the need for African Caribbean’s to have regular eye tests to detect glaucoma and prevent blindness from glaucoma....

IGA Announces Research Awards 2015

12 August 2014

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) announces the availability of £200,000 for critical research into glaucoma. The research grants will be awarded to a range of professionals dedicated to glaucoma research and the management and care of patients with glaucoma....

IGA comments on Smartphone glasses covered in press today

17 June 2015

There has been widespread coverage today, on the development of Smartphone glasses that can help people registered blind to use their remaining sight. The glasses are still in development. The new technology will be useful for people diagnosed with Reginitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy, Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. It will not benefit people with glaucoma. The Chair of IGA, Keith Barton explains: “Most of these devices work for patients with damaged retinas in situations where the optic nerve is in reasonably good shape. In other words the eye is capable of transmitting impulses in the brain, but the sensory retina has generally reduced function. By amplifying the signal in some way, the retina can pick up enough to send some information via the optic nerve to the brain.   Glaucoma is completely different in that the retina is fine but the optic nerve is damaged. Either the optic nerve is capable of transmitting information to the brain or it isn’t. It is not a matter of amplifying or modifying the signal. Hence most of these types of aids don’t work for patients with severe glaucoma”. -ends-

3m Brits at risk of preventable sight loss

Despite opticians being trained to spot health issues, one in ten of Britons over the age of 40 are putting themselves at risk from the serious eye condition, glaucoma, by never or not having taken an eye test in the last five years.

Even among people who are aware of glaucoma, less than half (48%) know glaucoma has no obvious early symptoms that can only be detected by an optician or an eye care professional....

Call to Action - Improving Eye Health and Reducing Sight Loss

The call to action aims to focus on taking a more preventative approach to eye care, with early detection by primary care services and effective management in the community.

In formulating the IGA response, we will be seeking the view of our group of trustees which includes ophthalmologists, opticians, ophthalmic nurses and most importantly people with glaucoma....

National Glaucoma Awareness Week: 9 to 15 June, 2014

12 May 2014

This year’s National Glaucoma Awareness Week 2014 is urging people to take Action for Sight, and have regular eye tests, particularly if they are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. People of African-Caribbean origin are four times more likely to develop the condition, and are more likely for it to appear earlier and for it to be more severe, when compared to people of European origin....

Launch of European Eye Health Manifesto

The European Coalition for Vision calls on MEPs to support better vision and eye health across Europe, and uphold the rights of visually impaired people.

 4^th February, Strasburg – The European Coalition for Vision (ECV) (1) and the Coalition’s manifesto for the European Parliament elections (2) were launched today at the European Parliament seat in Strasbourg. The manifesto, presented in an event hosted by the Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Marian Harkin (ALDE, IE), calls on the European Parliament to use its significant powers to improve the lives of people affected by vision impairment or at risk of vision loss....

The International Glaucoma Association launches its 40th Anniversary Appeal

15 January 2014

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) launches its 40^th Anniversary Appeal to raise further funds for the diagnosis, management and treatment of glaucoma. In 1974 Ronald Pitts Crick set up the IGA in order to prevent the loss of sight from glaucoma. Over 40 years on, and the organisation has the same mission:...