Best Practices for In-Office SLT - Report - MDSpire

Best Practices for In-Office SLT

Nicholas R. Green, OD, MPH, FAAO, stressed the importance of careful patient selection in his “Tips, Tricks, and New Technologies for In-Office Laser Procedures” presentation at Optometry’s Meeting 2026 in Phoenix, which covered SLT, LPI, and YAG. In this installment, we're covering SLT.

  • By

  • Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

  • June 17, 2026

  • 6 min

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Clinical Report: Best Practices for In-Office SLT

Overview

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is utilized by optometrists to provide glaucoma treatment. Proper patient selection and adherence to best practices are essential.

Background

As laser privileges expand for optometrists in the U.S., in-office procedures like SLT provide access to care for patients in underserved areas. Understanding SLT is vital for effective glaucoma management.

Data Highlights

ProcedureCPT CodeCMS Nonfacility Reimbursement Rate
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)65855$240.09
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)66761$292.20
YAG Capsulotomy66821$327.45

Key Findings

  • SLT lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by approximately 20% to 30% in open-angle glaucoma patients.
  • Careful patient selection is crucial; contraindications include narrow angles and significant intraocular inflammation.
  • Monitoring postoperative IOP is recommended 30 to 60 minutes after treatment.
  • Research supports treating 360° of the trabecular meshwork for optimal IOP reduction.

Clinical Implications

Optometrists should be well-versed in SLT techniques and patient selection criteria.

Conclusion

Incorporating SLT into optometric practice requires adherence to established protocols and guidelines.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Green NR, Optometry’s Meeting, 2026 -- Best Practices for In-Office SLT
  2. Kirby J, Ophthalmic Professional, 2020 -- Smooth the way for SLT
  3. Castillo T, Ophthalmic Professional, 2023 -- Six tips for SLT teamwork
  4. Dorairaj SK, et al., Glaucoma Physician, 2026 -- Things You Didn’t Know About SLT
  5. European Glaucoma Society, British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2025 -- Terminology and guidelines for glaucoma, 6th Edition
  6. Quigley HA, JAMA Ophthalmology, 2025 -- Shedding LiGHT on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
  7. Ophthalmology Management — Putting SLT Into Practice
  8. European Glaucoma Society – Terminology and guidelines for glaucoma, 6th Edition | British Journal of Ophthalmology
  9. Shedding LiGHT on Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
  10. The safety and effectiveness of optometrist-delivered selective laser trabeculoplasty | Eye

Original Source(s)

Best Practices for In-Office SLT

  • by Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

  • June 17, 2026

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