Did you watch Seven Sharp at 7pm on Wednesday the 2nd of April 2025?
If you did, you would have seen Glaucoma NZ member John sharing his experience of being diagnosed with glaucoma and how it affects everyday life.
John didn’t go to the optometrist for a long time, leaving his glaucoma undetected.
Glaucoma NZ Chair Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer also spoke about glaucoma including what it is and some of the risk factors (ie. family history) of the eye disease. She explains how it can silently sneak up on you to steal your sight.
“One of the most difficult things is when someone comes to my room, and I see them for the first time, and they’re legally not suitable for driving. They’ve lost so much peripheral that they can’t drive any more. I would love to not ever have to have that conversation again…early treatment can prevent those devestating outcomes.” – Prof. Helen
Chair Prof. Helen encourages eye health check through local optometrists.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness here in NZ, yet too many are still unaware of the risks. Others are unaware that they are already living with it. In fact, it’s estimated that around 65,000 kiwis aren’t aware they have it. Only an eye health test can tell you if you have glaucoma. Book one with your local optometrist today.
Reporter Rhiannon McCall has her eyes examined by Prof. Helen Danesh-Meyer.
Glaucoma NZ has devised the 2-minute challenge as a conversation starter. Through it, New Zealanders are made aware of what blindness from glaucoma looks like. Reporter Rhiannon demonstrates how easy it is to do the simple 2-minute challenge. Request your FREE challenge pack of cardboard glasses to take on the challenge too.
Watch the story for yourself at https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/seven-sharp/clips/glaucoma-awareness
The challenge is to wear glaucoma simulation glasses for just 2min of your usual day.