Case Study: Commissioning Interest in Glaucoma Referral Filtering Service Grows

1 April 2026

LOCSU has recently produced a new case study exploring the rising commissioning interest in glaucoma referral filtering services across England. 

Glaucoma represents a major global cause of irreversible visual impairment, as highlighted during Glaucoma Awareness Week last month. The associated clinical burden of the condition continues to grow, placing substantial pressure on NHS ophthalmic services. 

This case study explores the rise in interest of glaucoma referral filtering services across England. In March 2022, only 8% (8 of the then 106) of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England had commissioned a glaucoma enhanced case finding (ECF) service. Three years later, commissioning had expanded significantly, with a live ECF service present in approximately 42% of CCG areas, and further conversations taking place. 

Zoe Richmond, Clinical Director at LOCSU, said: “The expansion of glaucoma referral filtering – particularly enhanced case finding – reflects increasing recognition of the central role primary care optometry plays in reducing avoidable sight loss and commissioner’s growing confidence in the model’s clinical and operational benefits. 

“The impact of enhanced case findings aligns directly with NHS priorities and supports a more sustainable, efficient and patient-centred eye care system. 

“Across 2026 LOCSU will work with LOCs aiming to upgrade all optometry referral filtering services to align with enhanced case finding and to include OCT where clinically valuable.”

You can read our array of useful case studies – including this one – by clicking here or find out more about LOCSU’s Glaucoma Referral Filtering and Monitoring pathway here.