Personal Stories

Though I wasn’t born with glaucoma, my journey with visual impairment and chronic eye issues began at birth.

“I would guarantee there are people in your life who would join you in supporting researchers working hard to discover new treatments for glaucoma, and even a cure.” — Tadd Schwab

Five things I wish I’d known about the silent thief of sight. — Lisa Rouh’s personal glaucoma story

“I’ve shifted perspective on my eye health. I took something that used to be a negative and turned it in to a positive.”

“There is no question: We are moving closer to the goal line — a cure for glaucoma.” – Bob Stamper, MD

Amanda Eddy doesn’t know what it’s like to have normal vision. She was born with glaucoma.

Pat Caulfield was an award-winning designer in the Baltimore area. Then, when glaucoma robbed her of vision, she found a new passion in painting.

David Epstein was diagnosed with glaucoma in his mid-twenties. “Glaucoma is a day-to-day tough battle,” he says.

Trinh Green has faced many vision challenges in her life. But that hasn’t discouraged her. Instead, it’s inspired Trinh to become a vision advocate.

Rebecca was diagnosed with glaucoma in her early thirties. “I had no idea that I should even be going in to have my eyes checked for glaucoma,” she says.

Hannah Eckstein was diagnosed with glaucoma just a few months after she was born. Now she is 17 and starting college.

Igor Leal is a talented singer-songwriter living with glaucoma.

“Whatever curves life throws at us, I believe one must always make the best out of a situation; there is always a positive side.” – Niki De Lara

Tonian strives to be a face for change and spread awareness of glaucoma in her country of Jamaica, and around the world.

“I want to teach visually impaired preschoolers everything they will need to prepare them for elementary school. I hope that I can be an inspiration to them.” — Jasmyn Polite

“I am about to share with you something very personal, something that I didn’t want people to know until a few years ago.”

“Everyone is confronted with obstacles in their life, and how you respond to those obstacles will reflect how you overcome them.” — Jerrold Keilson

When Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) first learned of Danielle Fiarito, she was a teenager coping bravely with her disease.

“Glaucoma Research Foundation is the best out there. They are ahead of the curve—they’re looking forward for the cure.” — Cathy Wilmoth

“When it comes to research, I give to Glaucoma Research Foundation.” — Tracy Hammond

At age 32, Jenny learned that she had glaucoma from a routine eye exam.

“My message to those who have family members or friends who have learned that they have glaucoma is for them to try to understand for themselves what the disease is all about.”

Christopher has been living with glaucoma for 10 years. And he’s only 11.

Neither do 1.5 million other Americans. Approximately half of the glaucoma population in the U.S. goes undiagnosed.

In the midst of a busy schedule that goes with a successful music career, Roger McGuinn has always made time for regular eye exams.