Glaucoma guidelines allow monitoring role

Optometrists will still be able to monitor already diagnosed ocular hypertensives and suspect primary open-angle glaucoma patients provided they can perform and interpret a number of clinical techniques including Goldmann applanation tonometry.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published its clinical guidelinesthis week. Entitled 'Glaucoma - diagnosis and management of chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT)', the guidelines aim to improve the effectiveness of care for glaucoma suspects and patients. They recommend that patients with suspect optic nerve damage or repeatable field defects be referred, as is currently the case in optometric practice. Diagnosis of OHT and suspected COAG and the formulation of a management plan, such as when to review, needs to be carried out by a suitably trained healthcare professional with 'a specialist qualification (when not working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist) and relevant experience'.