• To establish personal contacts and to promote the exchange of knowledge between glaucoma specialists in Europe.
• To stimulate, compare and register glaucoma research in Europe
• To promote the diffusion of specific knowledge to the general ophthalmologists in Europe.
• To keep contact with similar glaucoma groups in other continents.

The Executive Committee oversees the Society and all its activities. This Committee can be considered as the steward of the EGS. Good Governance is ensuring that the EGS does not undertake any activity that could be criticised by others. Two specific areas of Governance need highlighting. These are ‘Partnership’ and the ‘Code of Practice’.
The EGS has a long term and close working relationship with Industry. The pharmaceutical industry (specifically those companies that manufacture topical hypotensive agents-Alcon, Allergan, Merck, Pfizer and Santen) have become ‘Partners’ with the EGS. This Partnership provides funding support for the EGS, a joint ‘Liaison Committee’ and the type of participation of these 5 companies in the EGS’ major teaching activities.
To ensure that activities of the EGS remain transparent and open, the Society has developed a ‘Code of Practice’. This sets out conditions of collaboration with industry (including Sponsorship together with pharmaceutical and other trials).

Membership of the Society is open to all ophthalmologists. There is no membership fee. The Executive Committee keep watch on activities carried out by its members in the name of the EGS, and have the power to remonstrate, or in severe cases to deselect members.

As a Regional subspecialty Society, the EGS maintains good relationships with National Glaucoma Societies as well as other Regional Societies and the World Glaucoma Association. In addition it plays a role in Glaucoma Patient organisations; again the Executive need ensure that Governance is appropriate and fair.

Finally there is a 2-yearly ‘Open Meeting’ at which time any formal comments on the conduct of the Executive Committee or the Society can be raised. The Open Meeting provides an essential feedback forum and ensures open contact between the Executive and the membership.

Roger Hitchings