Glaucoma Australia has announced the new name of its patient support program. SiGHTWiSE, the new brand identity, signals a brighter future for people diagnosed with glaucoma and their families, the organisation says.
“SiGHTWiSE really is the perfect articulation for our program. We aim to support glaucoma patients throughout their treatment journey by arming them with the knowledge to confidently face a future living with glaucoma. With wisdom comes confidence and confidence is the foundation of success,” Glaucoma Australia CEO Mr Richard Wylie said.
Through one-on-one emotional and practical support delivered by qualified orthoptist educators and health counsellors, the SiGHTWiSE Program helps patients manage the anxiety of receiving a glaucoma diagnosis and supports them with their ongoing challenges.
Mr Shannon Davis, who was diagnosed with glaucoma when he was 43-years-old, said Glaucoma Australia’s support had been invaluable on his disease management journey.
“Glaucoma Australia played a huge role in helping me along the road to acceptance. They treated me as a whole person – not just as a patient with glaucoma,” he said.
“Through Glaucoma Australia, I’ve gained a support network, and the information and resources I need to manage my condition long into the future. I can’t put into words how important this support is to me. It’s truly life changing.”
According to Wylie, SiGHTWiSE has a positive impact on patient compliance, with those partaking in the program more likely to adhere to prescribed treatments.
“With an average of 2,700 new patients joining the program each year, SiGHTWiSE helps eye health professionals extend their care beyond the consultation room by assisting glaucoma patients to embark and stay on the optimal treatment course,” Wylie said.
A recent survey into the effectiveness of the program showed that 84% of patients who take part in Glaucoma Australia’s SiGHTWiSE Program adhere to their prescribed treatments, and 91% of patients in the program attend their recommended appointments.1
In addition, the number of patients surveyed who rated their knowledge of glaucoma and how it is treated as above average or excellent increased from 37% to 51% after receiving education and support through SiGHTWiSE, while those who rated their knowledge as below average, or poor fell from 22% to 6%.1
“Patient education has been shown to improve adherence and better adherence has been linked to a better prognosis in glaucoma. We hope SiGHTWiSE will give our glaucoma community their best chance of achieving long-term glaucoma treatment success,” Wylie added.
The new brand identity will be rolled-out across all collateral in the coming months. Creative agency HBK has partnered with Glaucoma Australia in the creation, development and rollout of this.
Ms Annabel Pietsch, HBK Senior Account Manager, said: “A testament to the power of HBK and Glaucoma Australia’s dynamic collaboration, the resulting brand identity and collateral strategically reflect the welcoming and inclusive nature of the program, while giving a nod to the person-to-person support that is a cornerstone of its success.
“The solidity and stability of the wordmark itself reflect both the proven rigour of the program, and the successful outcomes it drives in helping to prevent glaucoma blindness,” she said.
To enrol in Glaucoma Australia’s SiGHTWiSE Program visit glaucoma.org.au/sightwise or call 1800 500 880.
Health professionals can refer their patients via Oculo or visit glaucoma.org.au/refer.
More reading
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Seven common errors in glaucoma management – and how to avoid them
Eye and Ear seeks more optometrists for expanding glaucoma collaborative care program
Reference
1. Glaucoma Australia Patient Impact Measurement Survey 2023
