Critical Conversations About Glaucoma is a patient-focused webinar for people living with glaucoma, their care partners, and family members. Join an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and glaucoma patient advocate for an open discussion on the questions and issues about glaucoma that don’t always come up during eye appointments.
Topics include understanding glaucoma from the start, how to describe vision changes, proper use of glaucoma eye drops, managing the emotional impact of a diagnosis, and talking with family about hereditary risk and eye exams. The panel will also share everyday strategies for maintaining independence, healthy lifestyle habits, and the key questions every patient should feel empowered to ask.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing glaucoma long term, this webinar offers practical guidance, reassurance, and support to help you feel more confident in your glaucoma journey.
Moderator
Hillary A. Golden, Founder, Glaucoma Coach, ASPECT Patient Engagement Program Graduate
Speakers
Karen Allison MD, MBA, FACS, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center
Pathik P. Amin, OD, FAAO, Visiting Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Service, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jeanetta Price, Manager, ASPECT Program, Prevent Blindness
Speaker Bios
Karen Allison, MD, MBA, FACS
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Flaum Eye Institute
University of Rochester Medical Center
Karen Allison MD, MBA, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist at the Flaum Eye Institute at the University of Rochester. She earned her medical degree from Rutgers Medical School and completed her residency in ophthalmology at the SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, she pursued a fellowship in Glaucoma at the Oschner Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 20 years of experience in teaching residents, she currently holds the position of Chief of Glaucoma at the University of Rochester’s Flaum Eye Institute. Additionally, she serves as the Glaucoma Fellowship Director and leads the Population Medicine Glaucoma Division at the institute. Dr. Allison is actively engaged in population medicine research as a member of the Population Medicine Research Committee, as well as in diversity and equity research at the University of Rochester’s Flaum Eye Institute.
Karen Allison, MD, conducts clinical research both locally and internationally through her collaborations with many other researchers. She is a founding member of the African Hereditary Research Consortium, AfriGen – African Glaucoma Research Group and chair of the Glaucoma division of the Population Medicine Research Group. She is founder of the Pan African Glaucoma Association and the Minority Mentorships Program at the University of Rochester. She has authored “Why Am I Not 20/20” an educational book for patients and has co-authored many manuscripts and book chapters. She is involved in mentorship programs nationally and internationally and has mentored over 500 persons during her career.
Dr. Allison has received numerous accolades for her contributions, including recognition as one of the leading physicians globally, designation as a Top Ophthalmologist in New York, and various awards for distinction and community service. She is a board member of many organizations and expert advisor to many organizations including Prevent Blindness.
Pathik P. Amin, OD, FAAO
Visiting Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Service
Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary
University of Illinois at Chicago
Dr. Pathik Amin is a Visiting Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois College of Medicine where he is an attending provider in the Glaucoma Service. Dr. Amin’s research focuses on exploring ways to improve glaucoma adherence, patient access and disease outcomes through diagnostic innovations and multi-faceted behavioral interventions. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), serves on the executive committee for the Academy’s Glaucoma Section, and is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS).
Hillary A. Golden
Founder, Glaucoma Coach
ASPECT Patient Engagement Program Graduate
Hillary A. Golden founded Glaucoma Coach in 2023. As a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Advocate she is a transformational force in glaucoma, combining 25 years of medical sales and her experience living with severe glaucoma. She redefines success for companies, physicians, and patients through patient-focused strategies. Her leadership drives collaboration to advance EyeCare. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Hillary captivates audiences with her journey from diagnosis to advocacy, delivering insights into the patient-doctor-industry relationship. She bridges gaps with her unique perspective, professional expertise, and personal resilience – fostering trust and loyalty. She works with many companies and non-profits including Prevent Blindness, The Glaucoma Foundation, Patients Rising, NAEVR, Glaucoma Research Foundation and speaks on Capitol Hill.
Hillary’s mission is transforming healthcare by prioritizing the patient experience through Glaucoma Coach. Empowering patients while inspiring providers and companies to rethink their approach, she is reshaping the future of EyeCare with her message – ’Start with the Patient”.
Jeanetta Price
Manager, ASPECT Program
Prevent Blindness
Jeanetta Price is the visionary behind the anthology “The Write 2 Heal.” Her life’s mission is to empower others by using writing as a healing tool. Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Jeanetta holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar University. Along with her role at Prevent Blindness, she is the Founder and CEO of Blind Girl Magic and a licensed mortgage loan originator known as the “Outta Sight Mortgage Loan Lady.” As a spoken word artist, Jeanetta hosts The Write 2 Heal seminars, providing a safe poetic space for participants to embark on their healing journey through writing. With creativity fueled by her faith, she encourages others to find their truth and health through words.
