Free glaucoma screening at World Glaucoma Conference 2019

December 19, 2018

Glaucoma Australia is proud to be hosting a patient symposium and free glaucoma screening clinic at the 8th World Glaucoma Conference in Melbourne next year.

The World Glaucoma Congress is the premier international glaucoma meeting, bringing together experts in glaucoma research and clinical practice from around the world. Next year will be the first time the World Glaucoma Association has included a patient symposium in the schedule of events.

“We’re very excited that the World Glaucoma Congress will be coming to Australia next year for the first time, and will include the first dedicated symposium for patients and their families. If you live in Melbourne and you have glaucoma we encourage you to attend this invaluable event” said Glaucoma Australia CEO Annie Gibbins.

Prior to the commencement of the patient symposium Glaucoma Australia will be hosting a free glaucoma screening clinic for family members to promote the importance of a regular eye exam. Considering you are 10x more likely to have glaucoma if you have a direct family member with glaucoma a visit to the optometrist every 2 years is the best opportunity to detect glaucoma in its early stages before significant damage occurs.

“We know that glaucoma runs in families and that there are approximately 150,000 Australians who have this blinding eye disease, but remain undiagnosed because they have not had a simple eye exam. If someone in your family has glaucoma, the message is very clear - go get your eyes tested, it’s easy and it just might save your eyesight” Annie added.

During the patient symposium delegates will then have the opportunity to hear from some of Australia’s leading glaucoma specialists about the latest lab based glaucoma research and clinical advances as well as options for improved quality of life.

The Glaucoma Australia patient symposium and glaucoma screening clinic is a free event and will be held on Wednesday 27 March 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

For more information visit glaucoma.org.au

To register to attend the World Glaucoma Conference 2019 visit worldglaucomacongress.org