Earlier Glaucoma Screening Among High-Risk Populations in British Columbia

Glaucoma Has No Early Symptoms — Here’s Why Screening Matters More Than You Think

Vancouver, Canada – April 27, 2026 / Della Optique /

Kitsilano Optometrist Dr. Della Chow Calls for Earlier Glaucoma Screening Among High-Risk Populations in British Columbia

With nearly 40% of Canadians with confirmed glaucoma unaware of their condition, Vancouver’s Della Optique emphasizes the critical role of routine eye exams in early detection and glaucoma treatment

VANCOUVER, BC, April 20, 2026 — Dr. Della Chow, founder of Della Optique in Kitsilano, is calling on British Columbia residents — particularly those over 40, those with a family history of the disease, and those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent — to prioritize earlier and more frequent glaucoma screening as part of their routine eye care.

The call comes in response to findings published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology from the 2016–2019 Canadian Health Measures Survey, which found that nearly 40% of Canadians with definite glaucoma were completely unaware they had the disease. The same study identified an additional 1.7 million Canadians as glaucoma suspects requiring further examination to clarify their diagnosis.

“Glaucoma is one of the most preventable causes of permanent vision loss, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed,” said Dr. Chow. “The challenge is that it progresses without symptoms — most patients feel nothing until significant, irreversible damage has already occurred. That’s why screening matters so much, especially for people who carry known risk factors.”

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It typically begins by affecting peripheral vision and advances gradually, often over years, before patients notice any changes. Because there is currently no cure, early detection and ongoing glaucoma treatment are the only effective strategies for preserving sight.

At Della Optique, comprehensive eye exams include diagnostic testing specifically designed to identify glaucoma at its earliest stages. These include tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, ophthalmoscopy to evaluate the optic nerve, visual field testing to detect blind spots, and optical coherence tomography to produce detailed images of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Dr. Chow notes that these tests can detect glaucoma long before a patient experiences any noticeable vision changes.

The Canadian Health Measures Survey data reinforces what eye care professionals have observed in practice: that certain populations face disproportionately higher risk. Individuals over 65 showed a glaucoma prevalence of 5.0%, compared to 1.6% among those aged 40 to 64. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of eye injuries, or prolonged steroid use also face elevated risk — yet many in these groups are not receiving regular screenings.

Dr. Chow is urging Vancouver residents who fall into any high-risk category to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, even if their vision appears normal. As an optometrist in Kitsilano with over 25 years of experience serving the Kitsilano community, she emphasizes that glaucoma treatment options — including prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and surgical intervention — are most effective when detected early.

“We can manage glaucoma. We can slow it down and in many cases stop further damage entirely,” Dr. Chow said. “But we cannot restore vision that has already been lost. The window for effective glaucoma treatment is before symptoms appear — and the only way to find it that early is through a proper exam.”

Della Optique recommends comprehensive eye exams every one to two years for adults over 40, with more frequent visits for those with a family history of glaucoma or other known risk factors. The clinic welcomes new patients and offers appointments six days a week at its Kitsilano location.

About Della Optique

Della Optique is an award-winning boutique optometry clinic located in Kitsilano, Vancouver, founded by Dr. Della Chow. For over 25 years, the clinic has provided comprehensive vision care including eye exams, glaucoma screening and glaucoma treatment management, children’s eye care, contact lens fittings, and curated designer eyewear. Dr. Chow and her team, including optometrist in Vancouver Dr. Oliver Chong, are committed to personalized, technology-driven eye care for patients of all ages.

Media Contact: Della Optique Phone: (604) 742-3937

Email: info@dellaoptique.com Website: drdellaoptometry.com

2589 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9