Paul’s Story: “Don’t Stress, There’s Treatment Available”

Paul only had his eyes tested because he was “struggling to see the ball at certain parts of the court when playing squash.”

He was 44, and he expected the visit to end with a prescription for glasses. Instead, a routine eye test led to a referral for brain scans. They came back clear, but the wait was stressful, and he ended up with a glaucoma diagnosis in 2025.

The hardest part, he says, was the uncertainty about the future.

Paul’s treatment so far includes eye drops, laser treatment (SLT) in his right eye and ongoing care from his ophthalmologist. He uses drops twice a day, and he puts that in perspective.

“Eye drops twice a day but that’s not challenging really compared to losing my vision.”

Day to day, glaucoma hasn’t changed much yet. He mostly notices it when he plays sport.

Paul also found support through Glaucoma Australia. Paul also spoke with an Orthoptist Patient Educator through the SiGHTWiSE program. He says the educator “was great” and that the phone call was appreciated.

His message to anyone newly diagnosed is short and reassuring.

“Don’t stress there’s treatment available.”

Have a glaucoma story to share? We'd love to hear from you: https://glaucomaaustralia.typeform.com/ShareYourStory