Andrea Epstein: Inspired by Family, Driven by Hope

For more than 30 years, Andrea has been a steadfast advocate for her husband, who has lived with advanced glaucoma since childhood, though he wasn’t formally diagnosed until his twenties. His journey inspired Andrea’s determination to help advance better treatments—and ultimately a cure—for glaucoma.

Professionally, Andrea served as Executive Director of Global Genes, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy and education for people living with rare diseases. Recognizing pediatric glaucoma as a rare disease, she sought out the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) and attended Glaucoma 360, where she found an organization committed to transforming the future of glaucoma care.

“I was in awe of the collaboration,” Andrea recalls. “The physicians, innovators, and researchers weren’t focused on maintaining the status quo—they were working to solve the challenge of people losing their sight to glaucoma.”

That experience sparked a lasting partnership with GRF. Andrea became instrumental in launching the Glaucoma Patient Summit and has served as Chair of the Summit Steering Committee since the inaugural event in 2019. Through her leadership, the Summit has become a cornerstone of GRF’s patient education efforts, bringing together patients, caregivers, physicians, and researchers for a weekend of education, connection, and hope.

Andrea’s commitment extends beyond volunteer leadership. As a longtime donor, she believes investing in innovative research offers the greatest hope for families like hers.

“What’s most important to me about GRF’s mission is its focus on innovative treatments—and ultimately finding a cure for glaucoma,” she says. “An organization focused on stopping glaucoma in its tracks, even reversing its effects, is light years ahead of what others are doing.”

Through her advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership, Andrea has helped shape programs that educate, empower, and inspire the glaucoma community. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment and the lasting impact she continues to make in advancing GRF’s mission.

Posted on September 10, 2026. Pictured above: Andrea Epstein with her husband David Epstein at the 2026 Glaucoma Patient Summit in San Francisco, California.