In focus: Glaucoma changes raise issue of national commissioning

High street optometry continues to play an increasing role in the management of chronic open angle glaucoma, which accounts for 90% of patient cases, and stricter thresholds for referral could place even more power in its hands.

New guidelines by NICE also include a section on the tests that should be carried out by primary eye care professionals to determine if referral to a specialist is necessary.

Those providing enhanced glaucoma services now have a solid NICE framework to use as a reference. The guidelines add to frameworks by the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (Locsu) and guidance from optical bodies including the College of Optometrists.