Visus writes: NICE to see two, to see two NICE

Like buses, you wait the best part of 10 years for a NICE Guideline then two arrive almost at once. First cataract (October 26), then glaucoma (November 1). Forever tainted in the optical world, first for recommending antiVEGf treatment only if one eye left policy of its first ARMD guideline followed by naively failing to anticipate the referral consequences of the first glaucoma guideline, what’s the latest?

With a positive approach, what do the new Guidelines say, who are they aimed at and what do our professional bodies say? Are they consolidating or a catalyst for change?

First cataract. In all practical terms not much has been added since Action on Cataracts came out in 2000. This led to some of the first clear initiatives to use optometrists in pre-op and post-op care, largely bypassing the GPs who add little value to the process.