Mission & Vision

Message from Madame President - Carla J. Siegfried, MD

Mission Statement

AGS is the preeminent organization dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals with glaucoma and those at risk by leading the advancement of education, research, health care access, and advocacy.

Our History

Mission Statement

AGS is the preeminent organization dedicated to improving the lives of all individuals with glaucoma and those at risk by leading the advancement of education, research, health care access, and advocacy.

Who We Are

The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) comprises glaucoma specialists who are dedicated to sharing clinical and scientific information for the benefit of patients, colleagues, fellows and residents.

Since the establishment of the Society, the number of members has increased from 13 founding members in 1985 to over 1,600 today, from 17 countries, including members who are currently in glaucoma fellowship training, fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, and scientists active in glaucoma research.

Envisioned Future

To improve the quality of life of all individuals with glaucoma and those at risk.

What We Do

Guided by the core mission and vision of the American Glaucoma Society, the clinicians and scientists of the society strive to provide excellent and comprehensive care to patients with glaucoma in a collaborative manner in community, academic and industry settings. The AGS provides a collegial atmosphere for its members to exchange insights and ideas, with a common goal of conquering this blinding disease.

By diagnosing and treating patients with all forms of glaucoma, the glaucoma specialists provide their clinical observations to the scientists who are dedicated to understanding the disease mechanisms and in turn bringing the bench research to clinical.

Together with other health care organizations, the AGS serves as an important patient advocacy force to promote glaucoma awareness among policy makers and the general population. Through those approaches, glaucoma patients receive better care and live a more productive life today.

Our Members

Since the establishment of the Society, the number of members has increased from 13 founding members in 1985 to over 1,600 today, from 17 countries, including members who are currently in glaucoma fellowship training, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists, and scientists active in glaucoma research. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

The AGS recognizes that while glaucoma affects patients of all races, ethnicities, education levels, and socioeconomic backgrounds, there are groups that are disproportionately affected by severe stage glaucoma and visual impairment. Deep-seated socioeconomic inequality rooted in United States’ history of structural racism contributes to healthcare disparities and outcomes in glaucoma.

The AGS aspires to increase awareness of these issues and to advocate for these patients by:

  1. Supporting research, patient care programs, and patient advocacy that help reduce racial and gender disparity in glaucoma;

  2. Helping to increase the diversity of glaucoma specialists from different genders, races, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations to better reflect the diversity of our country and the communities we serve; and

  3. Increasing the diversity of our speakers and leadership.

And finally, we aspire that all members, whether clinicians, researchers, or trainees, feel welcome and included in our society and safe to speak up and speak out.

Become a Member

For all members who have a clinical practice, the minimum requirement is a one-year clinical fellowship in glaucoma after a 3-year residency training in ophthalmology.

The AGS provides an excellent forum to its members through continuing education and ample opportunities for collegial discussions on elevating care of our patients.

Join AGS