Glaucoma UK has launched what it says is the largest glaucoma patient insight survey ever conducted in the UK, in a major effort to capture the experiences of thousands of people living with, or being monitored for, the sight-threatening condition.
The National Patient Voices Survey, which opened 6 July and runs until 6 September 2026, aims to hear from around 10,000 people across the UK. The charity says the findings will be used to inform the future development of glaucoma services and ensure patients’ experiences are reflected in decisions about diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and ongoing care.
The survey has been endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists, and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning. It has been developed in partnership with the Picker Institute, an international not-for-profit charity which will independently analyse the responses.
Glaucoma UK said the study comes at a critical time for eye care services. Research from Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London estimates that more than one million adults aged 40 and over in the UK are living with glaucoma, with around half currently undiagnosed. The same research predicts the number of people affected could rise by 60% by 2060, reaching 1.61 million.
Joanne Creighton, chief executive of Glaucoma UK, described the launch as “a landmark moment for glaucoma patients and for glaucoma care in the UK”.
“We believe this is the largest glaucoma patient insight survey ever undertaken in the UK,” she added. “By bringing together thousands of patient experiences, we will create a unique evidence base to help inform services, identify unmet need and ensure patient perspectives are represented in decisions about the future of glaucoma care.”
“Healthcare professionals have supported the survey’s development, and their continued support will be key to reaching as many patients as possible. We are especially keen to hear from those whose voices often go unheard in conversations about eyecare. Every response will contribute to a richer understanding of what it means to live with glaucoma today.”
Professor Anthony Khawaja, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and glaucoma researcher, said the survey comes at “a crucial moment for glaucoma care” and urged professionals across the eye care sector to support it.
“To improve outcomes and best utilise new opportunities, we need to understand the experiences of those living with the condition,” he said. “The more voices we hear, the stronger the evidence will be to shape services around patients’ needs.”
Glaucoma UK is calling on ophthalmologists, optometrists, glaucoma practitioners, hospital eye services and community eye care providers to signpost eligible patients to the survey.
The survey can be completed online at glaucoma.uk/voice, with paper copies available on request.
Source: Glaucoma UK.
