Glaucoma New Zealand

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in New Zealand. About 50% of those with glaucoma are unaware they have it – with your help we can change that.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively. With early detection and compliance to the right treatment, 98% of people with glaucoma will keep their sight. If it is not treated glaucoma will lead to irreversible sight loss and even blindness.

Glaucoma affects people of all ages, gender, and ethnicity. In its most common form, there are no symptoms, which is why glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘sneak thief of sight’, causing significant damage before you’re aware you have it.

You are at higher risk of developing glaucoma if it is in your family, you have high blood pressure, myopia, migraine, steroid use, an eye injury, diabetes, or heart disease.

Glaucoma New Zealand provide a community education programme to raise awareness of glaucoma and to encourage all adults over 40 to have an eye health check as early detection of the disease will save sight.

Glaucoma NZ distributes free educational material & resources, holds patient symposiums & facilitates community support groups for those diagnosed with glaucoma.

Our professional education programme supports New Zealand healthcare professionals (GP’s, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, nurses & care workers) to maintain an excellent level of glaucoma education to a ensure high quality service across the public & private sectors.

Glaucoma New Zealand has the expertise, the world-class scientific experience and the research programmes in place to move towards eliminating blindness from glaucoma. We invite you to get on board to fund cures and help save the sight of New Zealanders for generations to come.