College aims to review glaucoma qualification

A major review of higher qualifications, including the Diploma in Glaucoma, will be undertaken by the College of Optometrists, Optician has learnt.

This follows the publication of controversial guidance by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, which has recently been the subject of debate.

As reported in Optician (News, February 13), NICE published the draft for consultation on Glaucoma: diagnosis and management of chronic open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension in September last year. This suggests only those with the College of Optometrists' Diploma in Glaucoma should manage COAG or ocular hypertension above 21mm Hg. If implemented in its entirety in mid-April, the revised guidelines could lead to hospital eye departments being overwhelmed by a mass of referrals by optometrists.