Glaucoma in focus
Tracks
3
| Sunday, August 3, 2025 |
| 9:00 AM - 9:40 AM |
| C2.5 + C2.6 |
Details
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, often progressing silently until significant vision loss has occurred. With early detection and appropriate treatment, vision loss can be slowed or prevented, but many patients remain undiagnosed or undertreated. This session will explore the pathophysiology, risk factors, and latest glaucoma management strategies, including pharmacists' role in early detection, medicine adherence, and patient education. Gain insights into best-practice care, treatment options, and how pharmacists can help protect patients' vision.
Learning objectives
- Describe the pathophysiology and risk factors of glaucoma.
- Recognise early signs of glaucoma and when to refer patients for specialist assessment.
- Discuss evidence-based treatment options, including pharmacological management.
- Identify methods to support medicine adherence and patient education for glaucoma management.
Competency standards (2016): 3.1, 3.3, 3.6
Speakers
Ms Valerie Tosswill
Senior Orthoptist Patient Educator
Glaucoma Australia
Glaucoma in Focus
Biography
Val is a Senior Orthoptist Patient Educator with Glaucoma Australia. She has a diverse career spanning various sectors including private orthoptic practice, disability, rehabilitation, education, low vision, clinical research, ophthalmic practice, and practice management. As a previous Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney in Orthoptics, Val has also contributed to shaping the next generation of professionals in the field.
Val’s commitment to Orthoptics and patient care is evident through her active involvement with Orthoptics Australia (OA), where she served on both Federal and State Councils of Management from 1993 to 2012, including holding the position of OA Federal President, and she has published works in peer reviewed journals. Val's contributions have been recognised with prestigious accolades, including the inaugural recipient of the Paediatric Orthoptic Award in 1999 and bestowed the honour of OA Fellow in 2007.
