PATIENTS with glaucoma are benefitting from a boost of support from experts at Arrowe Park Hospital with specialised support and wellness events.

Created in partnership with Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted and eye department at the hospital, the events aim to provide a relaxed and informal environments for patients with glaucoma and their families to learn more about their diagnosis.

The events also offer the chance for patients to talk to professionals on a more personal level outside of appointments.

Consultant optometrist Dr Gillian Rudduck said: "Enhancing our patients’ experience of care is really important to us.

"Our glaucoma patients told us that they would like more information at the point of diagnosis and more opportunities to learn about their condition.

"In response, we have developed a detailed information pack, which is given out to every new patient, and created regular opportunities to chat informally to members of our clinical team and meet other people going through similar experiences.

“We are also lucky to have the support of Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted who have lots of knowledge and experience of local services that may benefit our patients.

"Being diagnosed with glaucoma can be quite frightening so people have been really grateful for this additional support.”

The next event will take place during 'Glaucoma Awareness Week' at 3.45pm on Wednesday, June 6 in the eye department of Arrowe Park Hospital.

At this event, the focus will be on ‘dry-eye’ and there will be demonstrations of how to administer eye drops correctly along with plenty of opportunities to talk to members of hospital staff about anything related to the condition.

There is no need to book and patients are more than welcome to bring a family member of friend to meet the team.