Raising public awareness of glaucoma

Raising public awareness of glaucoma

Newmedica, the provider of NHS and private ophthalmology services, is raising public awareness of glaucoma.

As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month, Newmedica clinics across England have been highlighting the importance of early detection – to avoid preventable sight loss – through media activity this January.

‘Many people don’t realise there is anything wrong with their sight in the early stages,’ says Jagdeep Singh, head of clinical proposition and an optometrist. ‘It’s why regular eye tests are essential as it can generally be treated effectively if detected early and, in most cases, daily eye drops can halt the deterioration.

‘When symptoms do appear, they can include blind spots in your peripheral vision, halos around lights, and blurred vision, therefore leading to difficulties completing everyday tasks.’

Mr Singh adds: ‘Newmedica’s mission to is to prevent avoidable sight loss, which is why we have been aiming to raise awareness of glaucoma using Glaucoma Awareness Month in January as a platform to do this.’

He also explains that Newmedica offers both private and NHS-funded treatment for glaucoma and always ensure the needs of the patient are at the heart of the plan we put in place – including regular review appointments.

‘Alongside daily eye drops, our consultant led team can offer other treatment options, including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). SLT results typically last for around three to four years before a patient requires further treatment,’ he says.

‘We can also undertake Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. It’s a particularly effective solution when a patient also has another eye condition such as cataracts as both procedures can be undertaken at the same time.’