Supported patients have better outcomes

For the last 6 years Glaucoma Australia has been monitoring the impact of our SiGHTWiSE patient support program on our glaucoma community though our annual ‘Patient Impact Measurement Survey’. 

The purpose of the survey is to track and measure the effectiveness of our services and has proven to be a valuable tool for gathering feedback on our patient community’s eye health outcomes, and quality of life. 

Key metrics include treatment and appointment adherence, anxiety levels, glaucoma knowledge and informing their relatives. 

The most recent results (July, 2024) have revealed that:

• 92% of patients stated they attend their recommended glaucoma appointments
   
• 82% of patients supported by Glaucoma Australia stated they adhere to their treatment regimen, compared to 50% of unsupported patients 6 months post diagnosis and 37% of unsupported patients 3 years post-diagnosis*
   
• 89% of people had informed their direct relatives to get tested for glaucoma.
   
• 53% of patients rated their knowledge of glaucoma and how it is treated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Above Average’ after receiving support from Glaucoma Australia compared to 37% of patients who were assessed by an orthoptist educator when first joining the program 20% of patients reported that they ‘Always’ or ‘Frequently’ felt anxious in relation to their glaucoma compared to 36% of patients who were assessed by an orthoptist educator when first joining the program
   

The survey results consistently demonstrate that with guidance and support from our orthoptist patient educators and health counsellors, patients are less complacent with treatment and appointment adherence. 

Patients are also significantly more knowledgeable about their condition and more confident managing it which leads to better treatment and eye health outcomes. 

Put simply, patients do better when they are supported by Glaucoma Australia.

References:

*Bansal R., Tsai J. Compliance/Adherence to Glaucoma Medications—A Challenge. J. Curr. Glaucoma Pract. 2007;1:22–25. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10008-1052