College of Optometrists

1 May 2012 Return to news listings

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA), the charity for people with glaucoma, is delighted to announce that Keith Barton MD FRCP FRCS, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, has been elected as its new Chairman.

Keith Barton is a glaucoma specialist whose research interests include the surgical management of glaucoma, specifically secondary glaucomas and the use of aqueous shunt devices, and the management of cataract in glaucoma. He has been active in the IGA for many years, and is delighted to have been elected Chairman: “The IGA does a fantastic job in helping with awareness and understanding of glaucoma, and providing support and information for glaucoma sufferers. I am hoping that my contribution as Chairman will be to raise awareness of the IGA both in ophthalmic circles nationally and internationally, but more importantly with the general public.”

David Wright, Chief Executive of the IGA, said, “Having worked with Keith for many years, I am absolutely delighted to welcome him as our new Chairman. I am confident that his dedication and enthusiasm will help the IGA go from strength to strength.”

Keith Barton takes over from Michael Miller FRCS FRCOphth, who joined the Council of the International Glaucoma Association in 1995 and served as its Chairman from December 2002. During his time as Chairman, Mr Miller presided over a complete re-organisation of the membership structure of the Association and re-arranged the trustee body such that it led to a more balanced board with ophthalmologists serving together with lay people who have glaucoma or an interest in the condition, a nurse and an optometrist. During Mr Miller’s Chairmanship, the IGA has invested over £2.5 million in glaucoma related research.

The IGA is the charity for people with glaucoma, with the mission to raise awareness of glaucoma, promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment, and to provide support to patients and all those who care for them. It was instrumental in setting up the NICE guidelines for glaucoma and runs National Glaucoma Awareness Week, which this year falls between 11th and 17th June.