The Germans Trias Glaucoma Unit becomes the first in Catalonia to achieve accreditation for excellence in managing this highly complex condition
- A pioneering initiative in Europe recognises the quality of the unit and the outcomes achieved in treating a highly prevalent condition
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss, affecting nearly one million people in Spain, many of whom are unaware they have the condition
- The unit combines specialised care with research and innovation projects
The Glaucoma Unit at the Germans Trias Hospital has received the Glaucoma Care Quality Certification (GlauCCare), a recognition that certifies the quality of its care, its outcomes and its excellence at the highest level as a highly complex specialist unit.
The unit, part of the Ophthalmology Department, is the first in Catalonia -and the fifth in Spain- to receive this distinction, which was promoted, designed and endorsed by the Spanish Glaucoma Society in collaboration with experts in glaucoma, management and quality.
The GlauCCare project is a pioneering initiative in Spain and Europe aimed at establishing a standard of excellence in the care of people with glaucoma, a group of diseases affecting the optic nerve characterised by selective and progressive vision loss. Glaucoma is asymptomatic and presents no early warning signs. Instead, it develops slowly, sometimes without causing noticeable vision loss for years. When it does become apparent, it can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, preventing them from carrying out many everyday activities as usual.
Glaucoma is also highly prevalent: worldwide, it is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and the second leading cause of permanent visual impairment. In Spain, nearly one million people have glaucoma, but 40% remain undiagnosed. In fact, the prevalence of associated vision loss is 10% higher than in other European countries.
Early detection of glaucoma is therefore key to preventing irreversible blindness. Jordi Loscos, Clinical Head of the Glaucoma Unit at Germans Trias, stresses the importance of annual eye examinations to detect the condition in time. "We need to catch it in time and detect it early", says Loscos, who, together with Jéssica Botella and Pau Romera, also members of the Unit, has welcomed the accreditation for excellence. Nearly 30 other centres across Spain are currently undergoing the same accreditation process.
Research and innovation to improve glaucoma diagnosis and treatment
Alongside its clinical activity, the Germans Trias Glaucoma Unit has developed some of the world's most widely used implants for non-penetrating glaucoma surgery and continues to work on new prototypes and innovative solutions for treating the condition.
In collaboration with the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), the unit is conducting research projects focused on studying tears as a source of biomarkers for glaucoma and exploring their potential use for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
This accreditation strengthens a model that integrates specialised care, research and innovation within the Can Ruti Campus ecosystem.