Glaucoma NZ and Age Concern Auckland hosted the inaugural ‘Love your eyes’ Auckland Chinese Glaucoma Symposium on Saturday 3 May 2025. All in Mandarin and the Chinese written language.
The event is an important step in the charity’s focus on reaching at-risk communities. East Asians (e.g. China, Japan, Korea) experience the highest rate of blindness in the world from primary angle-closure glaucoma.
Glaucoma NZ General Manager Pippa Martin says the Age Concern partnership played a significant role in the success of the event. “By partnering with the team at Age Concern, we reached a huge audience. We developed resources in Mandarin, and for our next one, we’ll include resources in Cantonese” she says.
The event attracted 108 attendees supported by six volunteers and three speakers who specialise in the treatment and management of glaucoma.
The charity will continue to increase its impact with more symposiums in other languages. “We are also planning one for the Indian community, again working with Age Concern and their community connections” says Martin.
Volunteers and speakers added to the success of the inaugural Auckland Chinese Glaucoma Symposium
This event was possible thanks to the collective efforts of those involved. Thank you to the Dragon Community Trust for its generous support. Special thanks to speakers Dr. Chi-Ying Chou, Vicky Wang and Ran Jing. The venue and morning tea provided by the team at Fairway Events Centre was wonderful. A heartfelt thank you to Felix, Cassandra, Lily from Age Concern.
Most of all, thank you to those who attended. You’re empowering yourself with knowledge to confidently manage glaucoma.
Click here to find upcoming public education symposiums or become a member to ensure you get notified of a symposium near you.