Glaucoma Chats

Join BrightFocus Foundation President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller for a candid conversation about her personal experience living with glaucoma and how her diagnosis has shaped her perspective as a leader and member of the glaucoma community. This special Glaucoma Chat will explore the importance of research, the hope it brings to people living with glaucoma, and the critical role donors play in advancing new treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Karl Wahlin as he discusses his National Glaucoma Research-funded project, Human Retinal Regeneration to Cure Glaucoma. Dr. Wahlin explores how regenerative medicine and retinal cell replacement strategies could transform the future of glaucoma treatment and vision preservation.

Many people with glaucoma also manage other health conditions and medications that may affect their eye health. Join glaucoma specialist Nitasha Gupta, MD, as she discusses the connection between glaucoma and overall health, including common medical conditions, medication interactions, and what you should know to help protect your vision. Dr. Gupta will also share practical tips for coordinating care with your healthcare team.

BrightFocus Foundation’s National Glaucoma Research program supports innovative science advancing prevention, earlier detection, treatments, and ultimately a cure for glaucoma. In 2026, the program awarded $2.3 million in new funding for cutting-edge projects worldwide. In this session, learn about some of this newly funded research spanning AI, neuroprotection, immune response, early detection, and novel therapies.

What you eat may play a bigger role in eye health than you think. In recognition of Healthy Vision Month, Dr. Amy D. Zhang breaks down the connection between diet and glaucoma—from leafy greens and essential nutrients to the impact of caffeine and alcohol. Join us for practical, science-backed insights to help you make informed choices for protecting your vision.

Black and Hispanic communities face a significantly higher risk of glaucoma and often experience barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. In recognition of National Minority Health Month, UCLA ophthalmologist Dr. Victoria Tseng discusses the latest research on glaucoma disparities, cultural and healthcare barriers, and why early screening is critical to protecting vision.

Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma—having a parent, sibling, or child with the disease can increase your risk by up to 10 times. In this episode, Dr. Inas Aboobakar explains the role of genetics and family history in glaucoma, what and when to share with relatives, and how to encourage glaucoma eye exams. You’ll also learn about practical resources to help families take proactive steps together.

Open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma are the two most common forms of glaucoma, but they differ in causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Smith explains the key differences and similarities between these types of glaucoma, who is most at risk, and how each is treated. Learn what these distinctions mean for diagnosis, care, and protecting your long-term vision.

Glaucoma care is evolving, and eye drops are no longer the only path forward. In this episode of Glaucoma Chats, Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth explains how earlier diagnosis can open the door to modern, less invasive treatment options. He will also share a roadmap for the newly diagnosed, including what steps to take after a diagnosis and options for early interventions that can save sight.

Living with glaucoma often means navigating complex information and unanswered questions. In this chat, Dr. Poonam Misra, a glaucoma specialist and fellowship co-director at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, will address some of the most common questions listeners have shared over the past year—from treatment options and lifestyle considerations to the latest educational resources.