In recent years, technical advances have been developed in the assessment of visual function in glucoma. Whilst it may now be possible to examine the ONH and visual fields in more detail, the optometrist should not neglect careful history-taking and clinical examination. Patients with glaucoma experience a range of problems that adversely affect their functional vision. An awareness of the impact of these lesser-known effects of the disease will assist the practitioner to understand patients' concerns more fully, and improve clinical care.