College welcomes MP’s bill to introduce optometry-led approach to glaucoma testing in the community
A bill introduced by Shockat Adam MP proposes a nationally consistent, optometry-led glaucoma testing service in England to shift care from hospitals to community practices.
“We welcome Shockat Adam MP’s proposals to introduce an optometry-led approach to glaucoma testing in primary care, moving care from hospitals to the community. These measures would end the postcode lottery for glaucoma testing across England, and ensure the condition is detected early enough to reduce the risk of avoidable sight loss. With the UK Eye Care Data Hub forecasting that cases of primary open-angle glaucoma in England will rise by 16% to 925,366 by 2036, it’s critical that the NHS invests in earlier detection of glaucoma.
“This matches our calls for universal commissioning of funded enhanced eye care services in primary eye care. These services would take advantage of optometrists’ clinical skills to provide patients with earlier testing and intervention, access to eye care closer to home, and reduce unnecessary GP and hospital appointments and waiting lists. The proposed introduction of glaucoma testing by optometrists in primary care would represent a decisive step towards a modern eye care system, with optometrists established as the first point of contact for eye health across England.”
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, Clinical Advisor at The College of Optometrists