Rethinking UK Glaucoma Care
UK College of Optometrists calls for shift in detecting and managing glaucoma
Clinical Scorecard: Rethinking UK Glaucoma Care
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Glaucoma Key Mechanisms Referral filtering services and shared care pathways for low-risk and stable glaucoma patients. Target Population Individuals at risk of glaucoma, including over one million people in the UK. Care Setting Primary care and hospital eye services.
Key Highlights
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible sight loss in the UK. 40% to 75% of new glaucoma referrals could be prevented with effective referral filtering services. Community shared care pathways improve patient safety and reduce hospital burden. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Routine eye tests by optometrists for early detection of glaucoma. Management
Implement optometry-led glaucoma referral filtering services in primary care. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular clinical audits and publication of safety and patient-reported outcome data. Risks
Inconsistent availability of services across England leading to variation in care. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with low-risk and stable glaucoma, and those with ocular hypertension.
Community-based pathways allow trained optometrists to manage patients, reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Clinical Best Practices
Universal adoption of community shared care pathways across the UK. Support existing glaucoma repeat measures services. Related Resources & Content
