The World Glaucoma Association (WGA) is thrilled to announce the 11th World Glaucoma Congress, scheduled for June 25-28, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Held biennially, the WGC is the largest international meeting dedicated to glaucoma, providing a platform for young researchers to present their work and gain recognition within the global glaucoma community.
About the World Glaucoma Association
The WGA is an independent, ethical organization dedicated to advancing glaucoma science and care, with a mission to raise awareness on glaucoma and eliminate glaucoma-related disability worldwide. Through its extensive network of 91 regional, national, and international Glaucoma Societies, the WGA collaborates tirelessly to enhance glaucoma awareness and disseminate the latest scientific knowledge.
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, but with early detection and treatment, the damage may get limited, and vision loss can be minimized. Glaucoma affects millions of people globally. Around 78 million people are living with glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise to 111.8 million by 2040. Often referred to as the “Silent Thief of Sight,” glaucoma typically has no early symptoms, leading many people to remain unaware of their condition until significant vision loss has occurred. In developed countries, over 50% of glaucoma cases remain undetected, while in developing countries, this figure rises to nearly 90%.
We are committed to providing high quality educational content to glaucoma specialists and eye care professionals, advocating public awareness, and enhancing glaucoma knowledge in developing communities.
Key WGA Initiatives
WGA ongoing activities are diverse and impactful, addressing various aspects of glaucoma care and research. One of the key projects is the ICO-WGA Three Month Fellowship Program in collaboration with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), which supports promising young ophthalmologists from developing countries. This program provides these professionals with the opportunity to gain advanced training and experience in glaucoma care, to preserve vision and prevent blindness in their home country.
Another significant project is the Glaucoma Consensus Initiative, which brings together sufficiently diverse groups of glaucoma specialists and scientists to develop consensus statements on various aspects of glaucoma insights and recommendations. These consensus reports serve as valuable guidelines, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
The WGA also offers a range of educational resources, including webinars, online courses, and a video library with scientific lectures. Our online courses are developed by world-renowned experts covering a wide range of topics, from basic glaucoma diagnosis to advanced surgical techniques. The courses are available in multiple languages and include interactive elements with exams and certificates of completion, making them accessible and engaging for a global audience.
World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative organized by the WGA. Held annually in March, this global event aims to raise awareness about glaucoma and importance of early detection. The 2025 World Glaucoma Week will take place from March 9-15. During this week, a variety of activities are organized worldwide, including public lectures, eye screening, and social media campaigns. These activities are designed to educate the public about glaucoma, encourage regular eye exams, and promote early detection and treatment.
Join us at WGC-2025 in Hawaii
The World Glaucoma Congress (WGC) is another major event organized by the WGA. We invite you to join our 11th World Glaucoma Congress in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 25-28, 2025. This congress brings together thousands of glaucoma specialists, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world to share the latest scientific updates and discuss innovative treatment approaches and collaborations. The congress will feature a diverse program, including plenary sessions, symposiums, wet labs, and courses.
Connect with the WGA
Learn more about the World Glaucoma Association via our website, e-newsletters, and/or follow us on social media via @WorldGlaucoma.
Kaweh Mansouri, MD MPH
Executive Vice President, World Glaucoma Association
Disclosures: No fees or funding were associated with the publication of this short article.
Cite: Mansouri K, World Glaucoma Congress 2025: Advancing Global Glaucoma Care in Honolulu, Hawaii. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. November 12th, 2024
