IGA disappointed with RCO screening stance

Many more people could have their early-stage glaucoma detected if visual field screening of drivers took place, according to the International Glaucoma Association (IGA).

Responding to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' (RCO) recent decision not to support mandatory optometrist-led screening (News 26.08.11), the IGA said there was excellent evidence to show that screening for visual field defects was highly effective.

It agreed with the RCO that it was important to have robust and easy to understand standards and accepted the slight reduction in the visual acuity requirement to bring the UK into line with Europe, along with the equivalence of the 6/12 standard for a failed number plate test.