Glaucoma UK is delighted to announce the winners of its 2026 Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and teams who are transforming glaucoma care for patients across the UK.
Individual Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award (joint winners)
- Mr Gerard Ainsworth, Consultant Ophthalmologist, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr Piero Zollet, Glaucoma Fellow, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Team Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award
- The glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- This annual award celebrates exceptional dedication, compassion and innovation in glaucoma care, highlighting those who go above and beyond to improve patients’ lives.
Gerard Ainsworth (middle).
Individual award winner: Gerard Ainsworth
Gerard Ainsworth received the award for his outstanding work at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. He was nominated by Jayne, a glaucoma patient, who described the consistent support she has received throughout her care. “Mr Ainsworth was there for me every step of the way,” Jayne said. “His accessibility, even outside appointments, shows commitment beyond duty. He listens with genuine seriousness, gives me time to raise concerns, and ensures I leave feeling informed, empowered and cared for.”
Jayne explained that after developing an allergy to eye drops, Gerard’s reassurance and determination to find the right treatment gave her hope. “His compassion and persistence gave me strength,” she said.
His respect for Jayne as both a patient and a rehabilitation worker helped restore her confidence to continue in the job she loves, supporting others with sight loss. “Patients consistently tell me Mr Ainsworth makes them feel like real people, not just medical cases,” she added.
Mr Ainsworth, expressed, “I am truly humbled by this award as I do not think I do anything different from any other doctor. I do feel it is important to listen to patients and be their advocate. We have to realise the trust that patients have in us is a huge responsibility, and we must honour this. Many thanks to Jayne for her nomination.”
Piero Zollet (right).
Individual award winner: Dr Piero Zollet
The second individual award was presented to Dr Piero Zollet, Glaucoma Fellow at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. His nominator praised his exceptional bedside manner and commitment to patient care.
“I’ve had three valves fitted and two cataracts removed, and Piero’s aftercare has been fantastic,” the nominator shared. “He even saw me on a non-working day when my eye pressure was high, and he made sure I was properly looked after.”
The nominator added, “When I speak to other glaucoma patients, they say the same. He is exactly what we need. I’m incredibly grateful for everything he’s done for me.”
York Glaucoma Team.
Team award winner: Glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The team award was won by the glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, nominated by Mr Pouya Alaghband, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Mr Alaghband highlighted the team’s strong commitment to patient care, safety and adaptability. Over the past year, the team has delivered major improvements to services, including:
- Reducing follow-up waiting times from 24 weeks to 6 weeks
- Cutting new patient referral waits from 30 weeks to 8 weeks
- Reducing glaucoma surgery waiting times to just 4 weeks
Despite facing sudden staff shortages, the team maintained high standards of care by adapting schedules quickly and working flexibly. Their clear communication, both within the team and with patients, has led to consistently positive patient feedback.
“I’m delighted that our collective team efforts in improving patient care and communication have been recognised with the Glaucoma UK Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award. This is a testament to our commitment to a patient-centred approach at York Hospital and right across our NHS trust,” Mr Alaghband added.
The award for the glaucoma team was presented at York Hospital on 31 March. Mr Gerard Ainsworth’s award was presented on 17 April at North Cumbria NHS Hospital, and Dr Piero Zollet received his award at the Glaucoma UK Annual General Meeting on 12 March 2026 in London.
Joanne Creighton, Chief Executive of Glaucoma UK, said, “This year’s Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards celebrate the dedication of Gerard Ainsworth, Piero Zollet and the glaucoma team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Each of them has made a meaningful difference to people living with glaucoma. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care are what make them stand out. Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable work in helping people live well with glaucoma.”
Chris Hunton, a Glaucoma UK Trustee and one of the award judges, shared, "Judging the Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards, was particularly difficult this year, with a large number of cases where patients indicated that their nominees had gone above and beyond. Very well done to all those nominated and congratulations to this year's winners."
Glaucoma UK is now welcoming nominations for the 2027 Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award, inviting individuals or teams from all areas of glaucoma care to be recognised for their outstanding contributions.
For more information and to submit nominations, please visit the Glaucoma UK website at glaucoma.uk/glaucoma-care-awards.
