College Guidance on glaucoma

Guidance on the referral of Glaucoma suspects by community optometrists

Issued by The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

Introduction and general guidance

1. This guidance relates to asymptomatic patients. Those with symptoms should be treated according to current protocols.

2. This guidance relates to suspected glaucoma only. Patients suspected of having other previously undiagnosed conditions should be referred as appropriate.

3. It is for the practitioner to satisfy him/herself that procedures are included or excluded according to the patient's clinical need (ref 1, ref 2). If practitioners find during the Eye Examination that a patient records an intraocular pressure (IOP) of >21mmHg and/or suspicious optic discs, central visual field assessment may provide useful diagnostic information.