AOP stands firm on glaucoma guidelines

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has reiterated its advice on the NICE glaucoma guidelines as a result of rumours that it would change the advice in November and referral rates would return to pre-NICE levels.

Assuring its members that there is 'no prospect of change' in its advice, the AOP said it had been contacted by optometrists across England and Wales to report the claims which were being made by local ophthalmologists.

It repeated that OOs should refer patients with intraocular pressures (IOPs) of 22 mmHg or over 'until such time as your primary care trust (PCT) or local health board (LHB) funds an enhanced service to repeat IOPs using Goldmann (applanation tonometry)'.