In 2025, people living with glaucoma in the United States face a mixed landscape of promising advancements and unsettling setbacks. While there are notable expansions in access to affordable treatment and educational support, financial constraints and recent legislative changes have brought new complexities to disease management. As the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, glaucoma requires long-term care strategies that are both affordable and accessible, yet the resources available are shifting.

Financial Resources: Support Grows, but Gaps Remain

A wide range of pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) continues to offer critical support in 2025. Companies such as AbbVie, Alcon, Bausch Health, Novartis, and Pfizer provide discounted or free access to medications like Durysta, Simbrinza, Travatan Z, and Xalatan to patients who meet specific income and insurance criteria.

In addition, nonprofit groups such as the American Glaucoma Society and Prevent Blindness maintain up-to-date directories of state-level and national financial aid options. These cover a spectrum of needs such as:

• Eye exams, 
• Surgery,  
• Assistive devices, and 
• Transportation for medical appointments.

Not all news is positive, however. Due to flat federal budget allocations for health programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, many grant-funded outreach initiatives have experienced reduced capacity or ceased operations entirely. Some local caregiver support services and transportation stipends—especially in rural and underserved communities—have been discontinued as funding dried up.

Expanding Access and Empowering Patients

Despite these financial limitations, access to functional support has seen significant growth. Organizations like VSP Eyes of Hope provide no-cost eye care and glasses to those lacking insurance, helping preserve independence and visual health. The National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness have expanded digital offerings such as instructional videos for administering eye drops and webinars on managing glaucoma at home.

Research institutions remain active, despite funding challenges. For instance, Johns Hopkins University received NIH funding in early 2025 to explore optic nerve degeneration, a core cause of vision loss in glaucoma patients. Such studies are crucial to developing targeted treatments that go beyond symptom management.

Legislative Changes: Scope of Practice and Equity Concerns

Legislative shifts in 2025 also stand to significantly impact glaucoma care. States such as Florida are advancing bills like HB 449 to expand the scope of optometry practice, allowing trained optometrists to perform certain laser treatments for glaucoma. Supporters argue this will increase access, especially in provider-short areas, but critics voice concern over training standards and patient safety.

At the same time, recent studies reveal continuing racial and economic disparities in glaucoma care access, urging policymakers to integrate equity measures into legislative reforms.

At this time, glaucoma patients in 2025 benefit from expanded pharmaceutical support and education, but face financial instability in some programs and shifting care standards due to legislative change. Continued investment, equity-driven policymaking, and strong advocacy are essential to safeguarding and improving the quality of care. Contact your policymakers to let them know your priorities and how they can better represent you.