To urgently address the rising incidence of glaucoma and improve care pathways in the UK to alleviate pressure on hospital services.
Key Findings:
Glaucoma affects over one million people in the UK, with projections to rise by 100,000 by 2030.
Glaucoma accounts for 20-25% of outpatient activity in hospital eye services.
40% to 75% of new glaucoma referrals could be prevented with effective GRFS, freeing up thousands of hospital appointments.
Patient satisfaction is high with GRFS, reporting shorter wait times and better communication.
Inconsistent availability of GRFS across England leads to significant variation in care and outcomes.
Interpretation:
Implementing optometry-led services and shared care pathways can alleviate pressure on hospital services, improve patient outcomes, and enhance safety.
Limitations:
Current services are not uniformly available across England, leading to disparities in care and potential risks for patients.
Need for regular audits and data publication to ensure safety and effectiveness of services.
Conclusion:
Universal commissioning of enhanced glaucoma services in primary care is essential to prevent avoidable sight loss and create sustainable care models, requiring immediate action.
