Solution sought over glaucoma guidelines

As reported in Optician, (News24.04.09), the implications of the NICE guidelines which came into immediate effect on April 22, is that anyone with a suspected IOPof over 21mmHg or any glaucoma sign would require referral to a specialist practitioner.

However, guidance notes suggested that 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.

Responding to the publication of the guidance, a joint statement from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians and the Association of Optometrists, warned members that they could be subject to legal action if they failed to abide with the guidance.