By: OptoJobs Date Published: 24/10/2024
As optometrists, your role extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. You’re often the first person a patient turns to when facing a life-changing diagnosis like glaucoma.
This can be overwhelming for patients, who may not know where to turn for support.
That’s where you come in—not just as a healthcare provider but as a guide who can connect them to the right resources.
Pointing your patients toward the right organisations, can make a tremendous difference. They can provide emotional support and the community they need to take control of their condition.
Glaucoma is more than an eye condition—it's a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Often referred to as the "Silent Thief of Sight," it damages the optic nerve, usually due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). This damage often happens gradually, without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
Early detection is crucial, and routine eye exams can mean the difference between maintaining vision and losing it forever.
The most common types include:
Connecting patients with the right support can make managing glaucoma far less daunting.
Whether it’s helping them understand their diagnosis, offering coping strategies, or simply providing a listening ear, these nine UK organisations play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes.
Overview: Glaucoma UK is the leading charity in the UK dedicated to glaucoma awareness, education, and support. Their mission is simple: prevent sight loss through advocacy, information, and personal support.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Keep a stack of their patient leaflets in your practice and encourage newly diagnosed patients to join an online session for extra support.
The International Glaucoma Association is now known as Glaucoma UK.
Contact:
Overview: Moorfields is one of the world’s leading eye hospitals, renowned for its glaucoma expertise. It offers both standard and complex care, making it a go-to resource for advanced cases.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Refer patients with aggressive or advanced glaucoma to Moorfields for access to the latest treatments and research.
Contact:
Overview: RNIB provides comprehensive support for people with severe vision loss, focusing on maintaining independence and mental well-being.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Refer patients facing significant vision loss to RNIB’s counselling services for emotional support.
Contact:
Overview: This charity drives research to improve glaucoma treatments and outcomes. They are a vital resource for patients interested in cutting-edge developments.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Share research updates from Fight for Sight with patients who are curious about new treatment possibilities.
Contact:
Overview: Known for their public awareness campaigns, Eye Health UK is a valuable resource for educating patients about glaucoma.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Display Eye Health UK’s materials in your practice to educate patients about glaucoma.
Contact:
Overview: A comprehensive online directory of services for people with vision loss, making it easier for patients to find local support.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Introduce patients to the Sightline Directory to find regional services that meet their needs.
Contact:
Overview: A global organisation committed to advancing glaucoma care through research, education, and collaboration among eye care professionals. WGA supports improved patient outcomes and aims to reduce the burden of glaucoma worldwide.
Practical Tip for Optometrists: Utilise WGA's resources to stay informed on cutting-edge glaucoma research and connect with a global network of glaucoma experts.
Contact:
Providing your glaucoma patients with the right support can be life-changing.
By signposting them to these organisations, you empower them to manage their condition and maintain their independence.