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From the WGA Executive Office
Professor Robert D. Fechtner, Executive Vice President
The World Glaucoma Association enters 2012 with a continuing commitment to eliminate glaucoma disability worldwide. We pursue this goal through the energy and efforts of individuals, society members, our industry members and those who share our core values. You have been getting your WGA updates in International Glaucoma Reviews from Professor Kuldev Singh, who completed his term of service as our Executive Vice President at the close of 2011. Kuldev has been generous in his praise of the many who have advanced our Association. His tremendous contributions deserve our collective recognition and appreciation. Over the past several years he has demonstrated tireless commitment to the many details of day to day operations and managed the complexity of our last two vastly successful World Glaucoma Congresses. Thanks to Kuldev, who now joins our Board of Governors. The International Glaucoma Review has served an important role for many years in bringing expert commentary on important research and publications in glaucoma. Please see the comments in this issue from Erik Greve and Caroline Greve-Geijssen to appreciate the origins of IGR. Their efforts and the more recent capable efforts of the Chief Editor (Professor Robert N. Weinreb), the Managing Edit or (Dr. Greve-Geijssen), and the many contributors have resulted in a valued print and online resource for all of us interested in glaucoma. This year we will assume full responsibility for IGR as an official publication of the World Glaucoma Association. There has always been a close relationship between WGA and IGR. This will further advance the educational and communication goals of WGA.
Education and communication have been, perhaps, the most visible results of the efforts of the World Glaucoma Association. We state in our goals that 'The WGA will be an important source of education for ophthalmologists and other healthcare providers related to glaucoma.' Looking back at last year over 3000 participants met in July 2011 for the fourth World Glaucoma Meeting. We represented nearly 100 nations and participated in both formal courses and symposia, and the informal exchanges of information and perspective shared with our colleagues. The 8th Global Consensus Meeting on Glaucoma Progression was held and is now available through our publishing partner, Kugler Publications. This is the most up-to-date review of topics related to glaucoma progression including structural progression, visual functional progression, the relationship between function and structure, risk factors, and the impact of glaucoma on the patient. During the coming year we will be exploring additional educational avenues to advance glaucoma education and resources through the World Glaucoma Association.
As I assume the role and responsibilities as Executive Vice President of World Glaucoma Association I look forward to serving our Association to continue our growth and core missions. I recognize the continued support and input from our industry members. Together we will continue to pursue our core values of responsibility, consensus, collegiality, and advancing the best care possible to glaucoma patients worldwide.
