A Word from Z. F. Veselovska
The insidious clinical nature of this disease calls above all for dedicated preventive measures and constant attention to glaucoma at every level of public life. Unfortunately, the introduction of advanced treatment technologies, the newest pharmaceuticals and modern equipment, and priority surgical and therapeutic approaches has not substantially changed the situation. Glaucoma statistics are not improving.
On the one hand, this shows that not every means of fighting blindness caused by glaucoma is yet in use, and that preventive work needs to be improved — both at the public level (raising awareness of the disease) and at the professional level (sharing the achievements of international research and practice).
International experience shows with confidence that reserves in the fight against this disease do exist and must be used. As a voluntary association of professionals, patients, public figures and volunteers who care about the problem, the Glaucoma Society must renew outdated ways of working and adopt the progressive practice of the European and World Glaucoma Societies.
Given the diversity of pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of glaucoma and its nature as a comorbid condition, addressing the medical issues surrounding blindness prevention requires an interdisciplinary approach involving cooperation among government authorities, the media, various sectors of society, medical institutions across different specialties, civic organizations, and the general public.
I would also like to announce that the Ukrainian Glaucoma Society has been admitted to the European Glaucoma Society and the World Glaucoma Association. This enables us to fully draw upon the extensive experience of European countries.
Our first task was to bring European protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma into wide clinical practice by preparing a Ukrainian version. The 4th edition of this document, Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, was presented successfully at the European Glaucoma Society Congress in Florence in 2018. Today we take an active part in preparing its 5th edition.
6-те видання настанов EGS було представлено в 2025 році та успішно анонсовано українській офтальмологічній спільноті в 2026 році.
"I appeal to everyone who cares about this issue and invite you to join us, for only through our combined efforts can we realize the dream of glaucoma patients for a better quality of life and help slow the rise of vision-related disability caused by the disease."
Yours sincerely,
President of the Ukrainian Glaucoma Society,
Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine
Member of the European and World Glaucoma Societies,
Academician of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Honored Doctor of Ukraine
Zoia Veselovska