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The changing pattern of glaucoma referrals by optometrists.
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
Eye (London, England)
|March 10, 1999
Summary
Optometrists are referring more patients with suspected glaucoma, but with lower intraocular pressures (IOPs). This rise in false positive referrals for glaucoma is linked to increased use of visual field testing and may lengthen hospital waiting times.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma referral patterns are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Changes in optometric practices may influence referral rates and accuracy.
- Understanding referral trends helps optimize eye care resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze shifts in optometric referral patterns for suspected glaucoma over a five-year period.
- To evaluate changes in referral rates and the characteristics of referred patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of referrals to a hospital glaucoma clinic.
- Data collected from 1988 and 1993, comparing patient characteristics and referral outcomes.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant changes over time.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the positive referral rate for glaucoma suspects was observed (56% in 1988 to 37% in 1993).
- Referred patients in 1993 had significantly lower intraocular pressures (IOPs) compared to 1988.
- Optometrists increasingly utilized visual field testing and estimated cup/disc ratios prior to referral.
Conclusions:
- Increased use of visual field analyzers by optometrists correlates with a higher false positive referral rate for glaucoma.
- Referrals at lower IOPs contribute to an increased burden on glaucoma clinics.
- Higher false positive referral rates can lead to extended waiting times for essential hospital assessments.