GP survey reveals low confidence in diagnosing major eye conditions

A survey undertaken by the UK Vision Strategy in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has revealed low GP confidence in diagnosing major eye conditions.

Just one third (34.1 per cent) of respondents were confident in diagnosing symptoms or signs of age-related macular degeneration, with only half confident in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy (48.8 per cent), glaucoma (51.2 per cent) or refractive error (49.3 per cent).

While a quarter of GP respondents (26.1 per cent) had been offered training on how to support blind and partially sighted patients, the majority (81.1 per cent) expressed an interest in receiving training or guidance on supporting these patients.