Predicting genetic risk of glaucoma
A major new national health initiative led by Flinders University is set to transform the early detection and prevention of glaucoma in Australia.
Backed by a National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Project (AU$939,500, about NZ$1,145,800), the initiative will introduce a world‑first targeted screening programme using accredited polygenic risk score (PRS) testing to pinpoint which relatives of glaucoma patients face the greatest genetic risk.
Combining PRS results with comprehensive eye examinations and a recall system to support follow‑up for high‑risk individuals, the programme aims to detect glaucoma earlier, begin treatment sooner and prevent avoidable blindness.
“Glaucoma is highly hereditary, yet we currently lack precise tools to identify which relatives are genuinely at risk,” said chief investigator Professor Jamie Craig from the College of Medicine and Public Health and co-director of Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute Eye and Vision Flagship.
