Pictured with his daughter, Steve Old is joining GNZs Round the Bays effort

Glaucoma NZ (GNZ) said Glaucoma Awareness Month in March will focus on encouraging earlier diagnosis by prompting more New Zealanders to book an eye-health check. GNZ’s campaign will also highlight lived experiences of glaucoma and raise funds to expand patient education and support programmes.

Campaign organisers said one of the key aims is to increase examination uptake among at-risk groups, particularly those aged 35–50 who often underestimate their risk, treat eyecare as a low priority, or perceive eye checks as costly. GNZ said national messaging across radio, digital platforms, print materials and community events will address these barriers and reinforce that only an eye examination can detect glaucoma early.

Clinics can participate through discounted eye-exam vouchers, in-practice awareness events and distribution of Gift of Sight packs containing simulation glasses, posters and an optometry voucher, designed to support conversations about individual glaucoma risk and encourage timely checks.

Organisers also confirmed that Round the Bays events in Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland will involve clinicians, patients and wider community partners to amplify glaucoma awareness during the month’s peak activity.

Two men in GNZ’s target age group, NZ Optics’ publishers Stephen Old and James Butcher, have signed up for the Auckland leg to “raise awareness and give back to the community”. Old, who runs 15 to 20km a week, is planning his own fundraising effort and Butcher, who’s more of a biker, will take part with wife Lisa.

Participants can register at roundthebays.co.nz, select the fundraise option, then choose Glaucoma NZ from the charity list. No one needs to run a marathon, it says, they just need to show up.