The power of connection
Over seven stops across the South Island, Glaucoma New Zealand’s recent Patient Symposiums brought together people living with glaucoma, eye-care professionals and supporters to learn more about glaucoma and its management.
Attendees came with a wide range of experiences. Some had been diagnosed recently, while others had been living with glaucoma for many years. Many were looking for a better understanding of their condition and the opportunity to ask questions of specialists and fellow patients.
“I have had glaucoma 15 years and after attending this event I now understand what it is.” – patient symposium attendee
For Glaucoma NZ General Manager Pippa Martin, the symposiums reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for people to access trusted information and support.
“We heard how the uncertainty of living with a progressive disease like glaucoma impacts people, and why understanding what is happening is so important in helping to alleviate some of that stress,” she says.
Attendees were particularly interested in hearing about developments in glaucoma care and treatment, including approaches that may not have been available when they were first diagnosed. Many also valued the opportunity to hear different perspectives from both specialists and others living with glaucoma.
The symposiums also provided an opportunity for Glaucoma NZ to meet with local optometrists and raise awareness of education and support programmes, including SiGHTWiSE, helping to connect more people with trusted information and support.
Our sincere thanks go to the speakers who generously shared their time and expertise: Dr Antony Suter, Dr Dickson Wong, Dr Paul Baddeley, Dr Rahul Dwivedi, John West, Catherine van Paassen, Martyn Crossley, Clare McKinlay, MinHee Shim, Hunter Hill and Tui Homer.
We are also grateful to the Freemasons Foundation, our donors and supporters whose generosity helps make these events possible.
Patient Symposiums will continue throughout 2026, with upcoming events planned for New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Rotorua on September 10th, 11th and 12th respectively. Register to attend these upcoming patient educations events here.