[To strength the opportunistic screening for primary glaucoma].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Early detection and diagnosis of primary glaucoma are vital to prevent blindness and severe visual impairment.
• Opportunistic screening, integrated into routine eye exams, is an effective strategy for identifying more glaucoma patients.
• Differentiating screening approaches for primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is essential due to their distinct clinical features and pathogenesis.

Discussion:

• Opportunistic screening involves ophthalmologists actively seeking glaucoma patients during examinations for other health concerns or physical check-ups.
• The continuum of development for PACG and POAG is a key concept for designing effective opportunistic screening protocols.
• A clear distinction between screening tests and diagnostic tests is necessary within opportunistic screening frameworks.

Key Insights:

• Screening tests for opportunistic glaucoma detection must be simple and easy to perform.
• Tailored screening strategies are required for different types of primary glaucoma, such as PACG and POAG.
• Developing human resources specialized in primary glaucoma is critical for successful opportunistic screening programs.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on refining simple, accessible screening tools for widespread opportunistic glaucoma detection.
• Further research into the continuum of PACG and POAG development can optimize screening protocols.
• Investing in training healthcare professionals is essential to enhance the capacity for opportunistic glaucoma screening and diagnosis.