PEOPLE living with glaucoma are invited to attend a support group which is run by the award-winning ophthalmology team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Reducing discomfort caused by eye-drops is the focus of the next support group meeting, which is being held on Friday, September 4, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Tarun Sharma, clinical director for ophthalmology, has been leading the support group since its set-up in 2009, with the help of glaucoma specialist nurse, Sara Ruck and group co-ordinator Sally Hunter.

Friends and families are also welcome to come along to increase their understanding of the condition and get advice from the team of eye-health experts.

Earlier this year the team received an award for the Best Glaucoma Ophthalmology Unit from the International Glaucoma Association.

Guest speaker Mr Shabbir Mohamed, consultant ophthalmologist from University Hospitals Birmingham will also be attending to offer his advice and knowledge to the group.

Mr Sharma said: "Receiving a diagnosis for such conditions can instil many worries and concerns in patients and some find it difficult to focus on the questions they need to ask at the time of their consultation in hospital.

“Around 15,000 people in the UK are affected by glaucoma and related conditions; our support group is a great way of bringing people together to learn from and help each other.

“Previous meetings have proved really successful with good feedback from those who attended. The overall aim is to help improve outcomes of glaucoma interventions and improve the quality of life of all glaucoma patients and their relatives.”

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Call the team on 01905 733715 for more information about the support group.