40 Years of Protecting Sight

Why national action is needed

Glaucoma is one of Australia’s leading causes of irreversible vision loss. Too many people are diagnosed too late, and too many people living with glaucoma face gaps in ongoing care and support.

We believe Australia can do better.

Australia needs a coordinated, national approach to glaucoma - one that improves early detection, supports people to live well with glaucoma and delivers a more joined-up system of care.

The National Action Plan for Glaucoma

The National Action Plan for Glaucoma is our call for change.

It sets out a coordinated, evidence-based approach to improving how glaucoma is detected, treated and managed across Australia.

01 — Catch glaucoma early

Improve early detection and reach people at greatest risk.

02 — Enable people to live well with glaucoma

Ensure people have the education, support and care they need throughout their glaucoma journey.

03 — Deliver a joined-up system of care

Better connect patients, healthcare professionals and services to improve outcomes.

40 years of experience. One clear ambition.

For four decades, Glaucoma Australia has worked alongside people affected by glaucoma, healthcare professionals, researchers and partners to improve awareness, detection, treatment and support.

Our 40th anniversary marks more than a milestone. It marks the beginning of the next chapter in glaucoma care - one focused on turning what we know into better outcomes for Australians.

We know what works

Our experience shows that education, support and ongoing engagement can make a meaningful difference to people living with glaucoma.

82% of supported patients reported adhering to their treatment regimen, compared with 50% of unsupported patients six months after diagnosis.

92% of supported patients reported attending their recommended glaucoma appointments.

89% of people supported informed their direct relatives to get tested.

These are taken from the Annual Report's Patient Impact Survey section.

Through SiGHTWiSE, our free patient education and support program, we help people understand their glaucoma, navigate treatment and stay engaged with their care.

Our Purpose

Our Purpose is to improve the lives of people with glaucoma and those at risk, by increasing early detection and positive treatment outcomes through education, advocacy and research.

Our Mission

To prevent glaucoma blindness by increasing early detection and improving patient treatment outcomes. 

Our Vision

An Australia free from glaucoma blindness. 

Our Strategic Priorities

• Awareness and Detection - Raising the awareness of glaucoma in the community & enacting programs that enable early detection.
• Education and Support - Be the authoritative source of glaucoma education in Australia & support patients throughout their glaucoma treatment journey.
• Extension of Care - Support healthcare professionals by extending their care beyond patient consultations by emphasising key treatment messages, encouraging adherence to medications and follow up appointments and helping to reduce patient anxiety and uncertainty.
• Research - Support Australian based researchers as they seek to improve glaucoma detection, improve treatment outcomes and search for the treatments of tomorrow.
• Advocacy - Provide a powerful voice to Government on issues that affect glaucoma patients.

Our Values

• Leadership - We support & advocate for people with glaucoma.
• Empowerment - We give people with glaucoma confidence in their eye care.
• Respect - We encourage and respect our staff, volunteers and all partners and find innovative and collaborative ways to benefit their overall wellbeing.
• Expertise - We drive and champion evidence-based research, education, and professional collaboration.
• Integrity - We provide a consistent, informed, empathic approach with the broader community, patients, and professionals.