Glaucoma in optometric practice: a survey of optometrists

With the ageing population, numbers of glaucoma patients are an increasing problem in ophthalmic outpatient clinics. A postal questionnaire survey was carried out in Northern Ireland with the aim of finding out how well placed optometrists are to become involved in the monitoring of glaucoma.

Of the 171 practices surveyed, 68% of the senior practitioners responded. One practice was without a tonometer and one practice was without visual field instrumentation. Age criteria were used by 95% of practitioners for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and 82% used appropriate selection criteria for visual field testing. An IOP of 25 or 26 mmHg was used by 45% of practitioners as the level for referral if there are no risk factors; 89% would refer at any level if a visual field defect and disc cupping were present.

The results confirm that the majority of optometrists are well equipped for the screening of glaucoma. However a significant investment in training and equipment would be required if any sort of shared care scheme were to be introduced.