Veronica Sets Her Sights on Independence After Glaucoma Diagnosis

Glaucoma Australia is launching a new, upbeat campaign called ‘Treat Your Eyes’, which is encouraging Australians to treat their precious peepers to an eye test in support of World Glaucoma Week (7–13 March 2021).  

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The disease affects 300,000 Australians, with 50% unaware that they have the disease because they haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam. Known as the 'silent thief of sight', glaucoma develops slowly for most people, and a considerable amount of peripheral vision may be lost before the problem becomes apparent. There is no cure for glaucoma and vision loss is irreversible, making early detection and treatment key to saving sight.

Blue Mountains - based, Veronica Dooley, now 92 years old, was diagnosed with glaucoma more than 32 years ago. She recalls being shocked by the news.

“I mentioned to my daughter that I was having some issues with my sight, so I booked an appointment to get my eyes checked with the specialist. I’ll never forget that moment when the doctor said to me, ‘You are going blind’. From that moment on I have done everything in my power to follow the instructions given to me by my doctors and I have followed my treatment plan religiously.”

Veronica’s treatment plan has involved eye drops in her eyes weekly for the last three decades. It has preserved sight in her right eye while her left eye continues to be closely managed. 

Thanks to her commitment to her treatment plan Veronica is able to live on her own and enjoy an independent life. She now catches the bus to go shopping every fortnight after voluntarily giving up her driver’s licence when she suddenly started to lose sight of the lines in the middle of the road. 

“I walked straight into the registry and handed in my licence,” she says. “It was hard but I have been able to hold onto my remaining sight and maintain my independence thanks to the dedication of my doctors and my determination to follow my treatment plan. I’m a big believer if something has to be done, then get it done.

“I am one of five siblings, three of whom have all suffered from glaucoma. My brother had an aggressive form, whereas my sisters, like me, are managing their glaucoma. We are unaware if there was glaucoma in our family as back then there wasn't the testing facilities available that we have today, and health issues were kept private. But that’s not the case today, so ask your family if anyone has glaucoma, as it is hereditary, and early detection is key,” adds Veronica. 

Glaucoma Australia recommends that anyone over 50 should visit their local optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination every 2 years, and if you have a family history of glaucoma check-ups should begin from 40. 

Veronica hopes Glaucoma Australia’s new campaign, Treat Yours Eyes, will educate Australians about the importance of having an eye exam this World Glaucoma Week, because it could be the difference between losing your vision, or keeping it for life. 

“Early detection is key. I was so stunned by my glaucoma diagnosis. I had no signs before, and absolutely no pain. Get in early and have an eye exam so you can live the rest of your life normally and hold onto your independence. You can’t undo the damage once it’s occurred,” says Veronica.