Guidance outlining clinical training to deliver glaucoma patient pathways has been created by the College of Optometrists and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOpth).
The bodies aimed to empower optometrists and other healthcare professionals in primary and secondary eye care to contribute to glaucoma care. They said it would increase capacity, reduce the backlogs that put patients at risk of permanent and avoidable sight loss, as well as improve the patient experience.
Angela Whitaker, optometrist and co-author of the new guidance, said: ‘The introduction will enable this care pathway to be delivered in a wide range of environments, and open up opportunities for optometrists with the relevant higher qualifications and experience to utilise their skills.’
Guidance was published by the College and RCOpth in response to new guidelines for diagnosis and management of glaucoma published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.