Landmark national study endorsed by leading eye health bodies aims to capture the experiences of 10,000 people and inform the future development of glaucoma services.
Glaucoma UK has launched the National Patient Voices Survey, the largest survey of people affected by glaucoma ever undertaken by the charity and, to its knowledge, the largest glaucoma patient insight study ever conducted in the UK.
Running from 6 July to 6 September 2026, the survey aims to gather the experiences of around 10,000 people from across the UK who are living with glaucoma or are currently being monitored for the condition.
The survey fieldwork is being endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning, reflecting a shared commitment across the eye health sector to ensure that patient experience informs the future design and delivery of glaucoma care.
Developed in partnership with the Picker Institute, and informed by patients, clinicians and experts from across glaucoma care, the National Patient Voices Survey seeks to create one of the most comprehensive evidence bases ever assembled on glaucoma patient experience in the UK.
The findings will provide detailed insight into patients' experiences of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and ongoing care. Glaucoma UK will use the results to support service improvement and inform discussions with NHS leaders, policymakers, professional bodies, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers.
The survey comes at a critical time for glaucoma services. Research from Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London estimates that more than one million adults aged 40 and over in the UK are living with glaucoma, with around half currently undiagnosed. The same study predicts a 60% increase in prevalence by 2060, with the number of people affected rising to 1.61 million. As services continue to evolve to meet growing demand, understanding patient experience will be essential to ensuring that developments in glaucoma care reflect the needs and priorities of those living with the condition.
Joanne Creighton, Chief Executive of Glaucoma UK, said: "This is a landmark moment for glaucoma patients and for glaucoma care in the UK. We are delighted the National Patient Voices Survey is endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, The College of Optometrists and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning.
"We believe this is the largest glaucoma patient insight survey ever undertaken in the UK. By bringing together thousands of patient experiences, we will create a unique evidence base to help inform services, identify unmet need and ensure patient perspectives are represented in decisions about the future of glaucoma care.
"Healthcare professionals have supported the survey’s development, and their continued support will be key to reaching as many patients as possible. We are especially keen to hear from those whose voices often go unheard in conversations about eyecare. Every response will contribute to a richer understanding of what it means to live with glaucoma today."
Professor Anthony Khawaja, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and glaucoma researcher, said: "This survey comes at a crucial moment for glaucoma care. To improve outcomes and best utilise new opportunities, we need to understand the experiences of those living with the condition.
"I strongly encourage colleagues across the eye care sector to get behind this initiative and help patients take part. I know we are all incredibly busy and that the NHS is under significant pressure, but this piece of work is vitally important and deserves the support of professionals across the system. The more voices we hear, the stronger the evidence will be to shape services around patients’ needs."
Responses will be independently analysed by the Picker Institute, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in patient experience research. The resulting report is expected to provide one of the most detailed assessments of glaucoma patient experience ever produced in the UK.
Glaucoma UK is encouraging ophthalmologists, optometrists, glaucoma practitioners, hospital eye services and community eye care providers to support participation by signposting eligible patients to the survey and helping ensure that as many voices as possible are represented.
The charity is grateful to all the organisations and teams mobilising across the country to help reach people with glaucoma and those being monitored for the condition. Special thanks go to the headline funders, UK and Éire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS), Glaukos and Specsavers, and supporting funders Théa Pharmaceuticals and Sight Sciences, whose support has made this project possible.
The survey will be open from 6 July to 6 September 2026 and can be completed online at: glaucoma.uk/voice
Paper copies are also available on request.
Healthcare professionals and organisations wishing to access promotional materials, posters, flyers and patient information resources can contact: voice@glaucoma.uk
