Glaucoma Australia (GA) is asking people diagnosed with glaucoma to spread the word, about the need for regular eye tests and the importance of early disease detection, among family and friends of who are over 50 years of age.
The new family-focused awareness campaign called ‘Begins With You’ recognises that people with glaucoma are the greatest advocates for early detection to prevent glaucoma blindness.
Running throughout the year, GA has created a suite of digital and print campaign assets that health practitioners and people with glaucoma can download and share to make it easier to start a conversation about glaucoma.
Additionally, GA will support the campaign through its own digital and social media platforms.
The importance of family history in risk assessment for glaucoma has been well documented and is a key message promoted by the Association. In many cases, the disease is passed on within families; people are 10 times more likely to have it if they have a direct family member with it. In fact, first degree relatives, which include parents, siblings and children are at greater risk, having a one in four chance of developing glaucoma in their own lifetime. That risk doubles if their relative has advanced glaucoma. Glaucoma rates are also highest in African and Asian ancestry groups .
To download the assets, visit: glaucoma.org.au/raiseawareness/ begins-with-you
