One of the biggest challenges for treating glaucoma is detecting the disease before the eye is harmed.

This is why it’s called the ‘silent thief of sight’ – it can cause irreversible damage before noticeable vision loss occurs.

World Glaucoma Week (10-16 March 2024) is when the eye health community comes together to throw a spotlight on the disease and raise awareness of how early detection and treatment can save sight.

But even with all the progress we’ve made, we still need new ways to spot and treat the disease for the many people who go on to lose their vision.

In this edition of Visionary, we share how we’re using new scanning technology to try and identify biomarkers – signs in the body we use to find and monitor diseases – to detect sight-threatening glaucoma earlier and test new treatments more efficiently.

We also explain how a digital education model could help people newly diagnosed with glaucoma better understand the disease and the importance of taking their medication.

You’ll also find out how tiny structures that control blood flow within the eye are offering clues towards a whole new way of treating the condition.

CERA’s glaucoma research has progressed to this point thanks to the many people who have supported us on this mission, like Tom who participates in clinical studies and Heather who has chosen to leave a gift in her will to fund research.

If you would like to join them, please support our Glaucoma Appeal. Every donation brings us closer to our shared goal of a world free from vision loss and blindness.

Kind regards,

Professor Keith Martin
Managing Director
Centre for Eye Research Australia

Tom Valenta has witnessed incredible progress in glaucoma research in less than two decades – and is doing his part to keep up the momentum.

International glaucoma experts have joined forces to investigate blood flow in the eye – which could be the key to unlocking new treatments.

A new 3D eye model aims to give patients a clearer insight into their glaucoma and encourage them to stick with their treatment.

The combined power of imaging and AI could identify people at risk of losing vision from glaucoma quickly – and who may benefit from new treatments.

A study of one million patient records shows routine use of OCT scanners in optometry could boost glaucoma detection and reduce undiagnosed cases.

Heather Herbert’s lifelong love of sport has inspired her to leave a gift in her will to vision research.