Optometry Support for Long Term Condition – Glaucoma
29 June 2023
To coincide with Glaucoma awareness week LOCSU is publishing evidence of the essential role primary care perform in reducing waiting lists for Glaucoma care and that change is required to help prevent avoidable sight loss.
A case study ‘Optometry support for long term condition – Glaucoma’ suggests commissioned services which reduce avoidable referrals and improve referral quality into secondary care will support elective recovery and eyecare transformation. Utilising skills in primary care allows secondary care expertise to be available for more complex cases.
Zoe Richmond, LOCSU Clinical Director said:
“This week presents an opportunity for LOCs to help raise awareness of glaucoma. It’s understood that 50% of people with this sight threatening condition aren’t yet aware they have it. As health care professionals and providers, we all have a responsibility to help raise awareness.
“New cases of glaucoma are identified every day in primary care, within the routine sight test. During national glaucoma awareness week, let’s invite friends, family, and the people we meet to look after their eye health and book a sight test”.
The case study is targeted at commissioners and those who plan care.
You can read the case study here.
In addition to the case study LOCSU is also highlighting ‘Evidenced-based Interventions for Glaucoma’ recently published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
The guidance makes strong recommendation for the commissioning of enhanced services in primary eyecare, following a sight test, recognising the evidence base on established services, and calling for a consistent approach to glaucoma care.