NEW YORK—Last week (March 8—14, 2020) was World Glaucoma Week. A global initiative headed up by the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Committee (WGP), World Glaucoma Week aims to raise awareness around glaucoma, who it can affect and how it can affect them. Although many of us in the industry feel well educated about glaucoma, that doesn’t mean our neighbors and patients feel the same way—and with more than 3.2 million Americans ages 40 and over affected by glaucoma according to Prevent Blindness, there can never be too much information about the sneak thief of sight. Many independents headed to social media to get in involved with World Glaucoma Week by sharing educational information that spreads the word and encourages their patients to book an appointment. Here’s a look at a few examples.


BBR Optometry, which is located in Hereford, England, shared information on how optometrists test for glaucoma—and announced that they’ve replaced the classic “puff of air” test with the i-care. Image via BBR Optometry on Instagram. 




Riverland Optical, located in Renmark, South Australia, shared a detailed, helpful introduction to glaucoma and World Glaucoma Week, as well as some information about Kirk Pengilly, a musician with glaucoma who has partnered with World Glaucoma Week. Image via Riverland Optical on Instagram.




The team at Maynor & Mitchell Eye Center in Huntsville, Alabama, shared a detailed glaucoma fact sheet on Instagram, alongside details on how to book an appointment for diagnosis and treatment. Image via Maynor & Mitchell Eye Center on Instagram. 




Spectacular Eyewear, a boutique located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, reminded their patients just how important early detection is when it comes to glaucoma. Image via Spectacular Eyewear on Instagram.




Many patients expect to experience symptoms before a disease—the team at Dr. Tavel, a practice located in Indianapolis, shared that glaucoma can often be an exception to that rule. Image via Dr. Tavel on Instagram. 




Skye Optometrists in Harpenden, England shared a handy simulation of how a patient with glaucoma might see an alarm clock, which could help both educate those without glaucoma and make those with glaucoma realize their vision has changed. Image via Skye Optometrists on Instagram. 




Queen Creek, Arizona-based practice The Eye Shop AZ encouraged their patients to book a check-up appointment, and shared a link to more information about glaucoma. Image via The Eye Shop AZ on Instagram.




Rocklin, California-based Stanford Ranch Optometry penned a helpful, easy-to-understand post on how prevalent glaucoma is, and why it’s so important to stay educated. Image via Stanford Ranch Optometry on Instagram.