Ease the strain with Goldmann

Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) can cut needless referrals for suspected glaucoma, according to research published online by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Researchers at the Royal Eye Infirmary, Plymouth, pointed out that following the NICE glaucoma guidelines the increase in false-positive referrals from optometrists was putting a strain on capacity, had significant financial implications for PCTs and could cause unnecessary distress to patients.

'The majority of these referrals, due solely to IOP measurements of over 21 are made based on the results of non-contact tonometry (NCT), in contravention of the NICE Guidelines which advise the use of GATUnfortunately, NCTs are frequently used in preference to GAT by optometrists for reasons of cost, ease of use and lack of need for anaesthetic eye drops.'