Innovative genetic test for glaucoma now available
June 13, 2025
St George’s Eye Care is now offering a cutting-edge genetic test to assess glaucoma risk, thanks to Clinical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Paul Baddeley, one of the first South Island providers to support this advancement.
Developed from 20 years of research led by Professor Jamie Craig at Flinders University, the test identifies genetic susceptibility to glaucoma – a leading cause of preventable blindness that often progresses without symptoms.
The process is simple: a mouth swab is sent to Australia, where it’s analysed against 7 million genetic markers. Results are returned as a SightScore – a percentile that shows how a person’s risk compares to the general population.
Those in the top 10 percent are 15 times more likely to develop glaucoma and may need earlier or more frequent treatment.
“This is a major step forward,” says Dr Baddeley. “There’s no single test for glaucoma, and many people don’t know they’re at risk until vision loss has already occurred.”
The test is particularly helpful for those with high eye pressure, unusual optic nerves, or a family history of glaucoma. Dr Baddeley, who has a family history himself, trialled the test and was reassured to find his SightScore placed him in the 24th percentile – the intermediate-risk group. He continues with regular checkups as a precaution.
One patient at St George’s has already completed the test. Her high SightScore has provided valuable insight for tailoring her care plan.
This innovative test is now available to all New Zealanders, reinforcing St George’s Eye Care’s position as a leader in advanced eye health services.
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