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OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge of glaucoma in a population-based sample, and its relationship to self-care practices. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A cluster random sample of the Melbourne population 40 years of age and older was interviewed. One thousand seven hundred and eleven residents living in five randomly selected Melbourne metropolitan suburbs, each consisting of two adjacent census collector districts. MEASURES: Questions were asked concerning respondents' awareness, knowledge and description of the disease. Respondents were also asked the year of their last visit to their eye health care provider. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of the sample had heard of glaucoma. However, only 22% provided a description that demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the disease. A lack of awareness and knowledge of glaucoma appeared to be negatively related to self-care practices. CONCLUSION: Serious deficiencies in the basic knowledge of glaucoma in the community was demonstrated. This has significant public health implications as only a small percentage of the at-risk population may present themselves for assessment and treatment. Informing the community about glaucoma is an important step in promoting preventative ophthalmic care and reducing visual impairment and blindness.