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Mapping glaucoma higher qualifications within UK optometry
Nurfitnat Ellek1, Patrick J G Gunn1,2, Michael Bowen3
1Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Summary
The number of UK optometrists with advanced glaucoma qualifications and independent prescribing (IP) has significantly increased, indicating a growing capacity for primary eye care services. This upskilling supports potential expansion of glaucoma care within the community.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Optometry
- Public Health and Healthcare Management
Background:
- Secondary care glaucoma services face a persistent capacity crisis.
- There is a recognized need to expand the role of primary care optometrists in managing glaucoma.
- Upskilling optometrists is crucial for addressing service demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the geographic distribution of UK optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma and independent prescribing (IP).
- To assess the potential for expanding glaucoma care capacity in primary care settings.
- To provide data on the current availability of specialized optometric services for glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of College of Optometrists accredited glaucoma and IP higher qualifications data from April and August 2024.
- Geographic mapping using Quantum Geographic Information System software and postcodes.io API.
- Comparison of 2024 data with previous publications to identify trends over time.
Main Results:
- Optometrists holding higher glaucoma qualifications increased significantly between 2021 and 2024.
- Professional Certificate holders rose by 48% (to 1986), Higher Certificate by 29% (to 223), and Diploma by 49% (to 145).
- Optometrists with both Diploma and IP qualifications increased by 57% (to 127), and IP alone by 88% (to 1952), though regional variations persist.
Conclusions:
- A substantial increase in UK optometrists with postgraduate glaucoma and IP qualifications has been observed.
- Primary care optometrists demonstrate a willingness to undertake further training for glaucoma care.
- This upskilling offers a significant opportunity to expand capacity within existing glaucoma services through primary care.
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