Glaucoma and ocular hypertension – NICE guidelines, past and present

20 February 2018
Volume 18, Issue 4

This article will discuss both editions of NICE guidance, with particular reference to the changes that will affect optometrists with the implementation of NG81.

Summary

In 2009, NICE produced guidelines on chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) and ocular hypertension. These guidelines outlined which tests should be offered to patients with these conditions. This led to an increase in referrals and in the number of schemes designed to relieve the burden of these referrals on the hospital eye service. NICE updated the guidance in 2017. This paper discusses the significant changes in the 2017 guidance which will impact upon optometrists’ daily practice when managing patients with COAG, suspect COAG and ocular hypertension.

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