Screening for glaucoma by general medicine residents

A screening-training program to teach Schiötz tonometry to internal medicine residents was completed. A large number of previously undiagnosed glaucoma cases were detected. Most of the residents had never before performed tonometry. None had previously screened patients in their clinics. Following training, most of the physicians believed themselves to be competent to perform tonometry, although many had not fully mastered the instrument technically. They believed that glaucoma screening should be done by general internists. Although the residents indicated plans to screen their patients for glaucoma, few continued to do so. General internists may be willing to learn to perform tonometry. However, earlier training and more effective role modelling are probably necessary to effect routine screening for glaucoma.