Sightscore - A Genetic Test For Glaucoma

If you have a history of glaucoma in your family, you’ve probably been told to keep a close eye on your vision. Traditionally, we’ve managed this by tracking a single thread of family history, alongside routine checks of your eye pressure and scans of your optic nerve.

But family history is only a vague measure of risk. We're excited to be able to offer Sightscore - an easily-administered test, that gives us a much more accurate assessment of your genetic risk for glaucoma.

What is SightScore and Polygenic Testing?

Most people think of genetic testing as looking for a single "faulty gene." However, glaucoma is much more complex. It is influenced by thousands of tiny variations in your DNA called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).

A single variation won't cause glaucoma. But when you add hundreds or thousands of them together, they create a cumulative effect. This is where polygenic risk scoring comes in.

SightScore is an advanced test developed by Seonix Bio (founded by leading Australasian ophthalmic researchers). It scans your DNA for more than 2,500 of these genetic variants, adding them up to calculate your personalized genetic risk spectrum.

The Power of Knowing Your Score

Your SightScore doesn't give a simple "yes" or "no" answer, nor does it replace a comprehensive eye exam. Instead, it places you on a risk curve compared to the rest of the population.

This gives us a very powerful predictive tool:

• Catching it Decades Earlier: Research has shown that individuals in the highest 10% of genetic risk can develop glaucoma up to 10 to 25 years earlier than those in the lowest risk group.

• Predicting Disease Progression: If you have already been diagnosed with early-stage glaucoma, a higher genetic score indicates that your condition is more likely to progress faster. This allows us to be more proactive with treatment.

• Tailored Monitoring: If your score is high, we know we need to monitor your eyes much more closely and frequently. If your score is very low, it can provide peace of mind and mean fewer intensive diagnostic appointments.

How Does the Test Work?

The best part about SightScore is how simple it is for you. There are no needles or complex clinical procedures involved.

1. We enrol your details with Sightscore, and order a test kit

2. When the test kit arrives, collect your sample using a cheek swab

3. Register the kit on the Sightscore website, and pay their fee

4. Return the kit in the supplied package

5. Your results will be ready in 3-4 weeks. We'll go over the results with you, and discuss what it means for your glaucoma care

 

Who is SightScore For?

Because your genetic profile never changes, this is a one-time test that provides a lifetime of insight. We particularly recommend SightScore for:

• Anyone with a close blood relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has glaucoma.

• Individuals whose routine eye exams show "suspicious" optic nerves or slightly elevated eye pressure.

• Existing glaucoma patients who want to understand how aggressively their condition might behave.

What does it Cost?

The standard Sightscore fee is AUD$349, although this is reduced to AUD$199 until Dec 31 2026.

Cassidy Eyecare charges $75 for the administration time and discussion of results.

 

If you want to move from reactive eye care to precision medicine, ask us about SightScore at your next visit.