Educational programme for glaucoma patients: an effective public health intervention in Kazakhstan

Abstract Background Glaucoma is a leading global cause of irreversible vision loss, affecting 76 million people in 2020, with projections reaching 112 million by 2040. Effective management requires both clinical care and patient education to support adherence and self-care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of patient education in glaucoma care at the primary healthcare level. Methods A non-randomized pre-post intervention study was conducted in two public health centers in Aktobe. A total of 183 adult patients with confirmed glaucoma were enrolled. Inclusion criteria: age over 18, documented diagnosis of glaucoma, informed consent, and active monitoring at the primary care level. The programme, developed with ophthalmologists and a regional expert, included sessions on disease mechanisms, medication use, intraocular pressure control, and lifestyle adjustments. The NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using R version 4.4.0. Results The overall NEI VFQ-25 score significantly improved from 38.4 to 42.1 (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced functional vision and quality of life. Gains were noted in near activities (+11.9), distance activities (+4.2), social functioning (+5.3), role limitations (+2.8), ocular pain (+1.9), driving (+6.1), and color vision (+5.9). Over 70% of participants reported greater understanding of their disease, improved adherence, and increased confidence in self-management. The programme was especially beneficial for older adults and those with initially low scores. Conclusions A structured educational programme significantly improved quality of life and patient engagement. Integrating such interventions into primary care offers a scalable, cost-effective strategy for improving glaucoma management and strengthening public health responses. Key messages • Educational programmes for glaucoma patients improve quality of life and self-management. • Embedding patient education into primary healthcare enhances chronic disease outcomes.