Self-reporting by OOs called into question

Optometrists do not always tell the truth about their assessment of glaucoma patients, according to a new study.

Results suggested that self-reporting of activity via an online survey was a poor indicator of actual activity, despite questionnaires of this kind being commonly used to measure clinical practice.

Findings to be published in the next issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics looked at the responses to an online survey completed by optometrists that asked about their assessment of potential glaucoma patients.

The results were then compared with the findings of standardised patient volunteers and the details on referral letters. The standardised patients were trained members of the public with a good knowledge of what was involved in an eye examination.