Glaucoma Australia

Today on #WorldSightDay, Glaucoma Australia, together with its Patron, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Samantha Mostyn, is proud to announce that the 2024 Glaucoma Australia Quinlivan Research Grant has been awarded to Associate Professor Andrew White from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research's Centre for Vision Research. A/Prof White is an internationally renowned clinician-scientist and ophthalmologist, dedicated to advancing glaucoma research. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, he will investigate whether Irbesartan, a widely used blood pressure medication, could prevent glaucoma-related blindness in patients who don't respond to current treatments. “This medication, available since 1998, has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may protect retinal cells from degeneration,” A/Prof White explains. “If successful, this could revolutionise how we preserve vision in many glaucoma patients.” With glaucoma being the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Australia, this research aims to provide a crucial new solution for the 20% of glaucoma patients whose vision continues to deteriorate despite existing treatments. We're delighted to support Andrew and his team and look forward to seeing their impact on #glaucoma care. 

Over the weekend, Glaucoma Australia was proud to attend the RANZCO conference in Adelaide, where we connected with leaders across the eye health community to strengthen our impact and expand our reach. Our team also had the opportunity to present at Orthoptics Australia (OA) and the Australian Ophthalmic Nurses Association (AONA Inc), sharing insights into our initiatives and emphasising the importance of supporting those affected by glaucoma. Through these meaningful interactions, we continue to build valuable partnerships that enable us to advocate for better patient care and enhance support services for individuals and families navigating #glaucoma. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)

We had a special visitor at Glaucoma Australia HQ recently! The 2024 Glaucoma Australia Quinlivan Grant recipient, Associate Professor Andrew White, popped in for an insightful chat with our President, Maree O'Brien. In this short interview, Andrew shares the inspiration behind his groundbreaking research and his vision for the future of #glaucoma care. For over 20 years, Glaucoma Australia has proudly supported innovative researchers like Andrew, helping to drive new discoveries in glaucoma treatment. You can play a part in funding the next breakthrough by donating at https://lnkd.in/g-pd8bgm

Our President Maree O'Brien (far right) was delighted to catch up with Damian Papps, Executive Director at See Differently, The Hon Christopher Pyne, Chairman Vision 2020, Jane Schuller, Vice Chair Vision 2020 and Dr Grant Raymond, President RANZCO at the Parliamentary Friends Group for Eye Health and Vision Care Innovation expo at Parliament house last night.  We would like to thank Vision 2020 Australia for organising this wonderful event to celebrate #WorldSightDay. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Congenital Glaucoma Brunch on the Gold Coast! Whether you joined us in person or virtually, we deeply appreciate your support and dedication to raising awareness for congenital glaucoma. We'd like to give a special shout-out to our incredible sponsor, AbbVie, our inspiring speakers—Dr. Mark Chiang, Dr. Sau Kuan Cheong, Cara Hansen, Karen Van de Hoef, Kelly Mercieca, and Betty Zeritis—and the amazing team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for making this event a resounding success. For those who couldn’t join us or want to relive the day, don’t worry! 🎥 You can watch the full event on our YouTube channel here: https://lnkd.in/ggAqwWve

Curious about Transscleral Laser Therapy (TLT)? It’s a cutting-edge treatment that’s making waves in glaucoma care. TLT, particularly with MicroPulse technology, is a non-invasive laser procedure designed to lower eye pressure safely and effectively. Unlike traditional surgeries, #TLT doesn’t require any incisions, making it a gentler option that still delivers powerful results. Want to know more? Check out the below article by Dr. Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD or reach out to our amazing team of Patient Educators by emailing glaucoma@glaucoma.org.au or calling 1800 500 880. https://lnkd.in/gtrS_cCJ

Our amazing Orthoptist Educator Val Tosswill enjoyed meeting our future medical practitioners at the UNSW Health Maintenance Community Expo. 🎓   Lots of interesting questions about glaucoma, engaging learning activities and meaningful connections!   The students were particularly intrigued (and at times shocked) by what life looks with advanced glaucoma, looking through the simulated glasses kindly donated by Vision Australia.   We were energised by the student's passion and desire to improve health outcomes!

Welcoming Natasha Sikman to the Glaucoma Australia Team! Glaucoma Australia is thrilled to announce the addition of Natasha Sikman as the Senior Orthoptist Patient Educator to our expanding patient support team. Natasha’s appointment reflects the growing demand for patient-centered glaucoma care across the country, and we are excited to have her co-leading our service delivery out of Victoria. With over 21 years of extensive experience in tertiary public health, private ophthalmology, and the not-for-profit sector, Natasha brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting individuals affected by eye disease, low vision, and permanent disability. Her diverse background includes notable roles at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Vision Eye Institute, and Guide Dogs Victoria, where she honed her expertise in patient care. In addition to her clinical experience, Natasha has been actively involved in academia as a casual lecturer at La Trobe University. Through this role, she has mentored the next generation of orthoptists, showcasing her dedication to the field and commitment to advancing patient care. Please join us in welcoming Natasha Sikman to the Glaucoma Australia family. We are confident that her experience and passion will greatly benefit our community and help us continue providing exceptional support to those affected by glaucoma. If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated Orthoptists please call our free support line 1800 500 880.

Orthoptics Awareness Week Spotlight 🌟 Meet Loreto, another one of our amazing patient support educators here at Glaucoma Australia! Loreto is a dedicated Orthoptist with a passion for patient care and education. She completed her Masters of Orthoptics in 2021 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Science. Her diverse knowledge of human physiology, coupled with her extensive clinical experience, makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Loreto's journey with Glaucoma Australia began as a volunteer in 2019 while she was still pursuing her studies. Her commitment and dedication led her to join us as a part-time orthoptic patient support educator in July 2022. In her role, she provides crucial support and education to our patients, helping them navigate their diagnosis and treatment options. In addition to her work with us, Loreto also serves as a clinical orthoptist in a private clinic, where she works alongside specialists in cataract, glaucoma, medical retina, and refractive surgery. Her responsibilities include diagnostic testing, counselling, and surgical coordination, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. Thank you, Loreto, for your unwavering commitment to advancing orthoptics and supporting our patients! If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated Orthoptists please call our free support line 1800 500 880.

Join us in celebrating #OrthopticsAwarenessWeek by spotlighting our remarkable team member, Valerie! Val joined Glaucoma Australia in April 2024, bringing a wealth of experience across private orthoptic practice, disability, rehabilitation, education, low vision, clinical research, ophthalmic practice, and practice management. A former Associate Lecturer in Orthoptics at the University of Sydney and mentor for clinical orthoptic students, Val has significantly shaped the next generation of orthoptic professionals. Her dedication to orthoptics and patient care is evident through her active involvement with Orthoptics Australia (OA), serving on both Federal and State Councils of Management from 1993 to 2012. Val’s exceptional contributions have been recognised with the Paediatric Orthoptic Award in 1999 and the honour of OA Fellow in 2007. Thank you, Val, for your unwavering commitment to advancing orthoptics and supporting our patients! If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated Orthoptists please call our free support line 1800 500 880.