Glaucoma referral guidance

High-quality glaucoma referrals into ophthalmology support assessment, triage and treatment 

At Newmedica, expert consultant ophthalmologists review thousands of glaucoma referrals each year. The most effective referrals provide a clear, structured picture of risk -enabling timely assessment, appropriate triage and intervention to help prevent avoidable sight loss. 

Mr Sunny Deol, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Consultant, has written about this in an article for Optician magazine in an article for Optician magazine to mark Glaucoma Awareness Week. This blog post shares some key points, including:

• Glaucoma is often symptom-free, therefore early detection often relies on optometry 

• Referral quality can support triage, treatment and outcomes 

• Clear patient conversations about all options available (NHS and private) improve engagement and outcomes 

• Newmedica provides expert care and treatment for glaucoma patients, with a breadth of services available. 

The role of community optometrists 

Glaucoma is often symptom-free in its early stages, meaning diagnosis depends heavily on detection in community optometry practice.  

For many patients, the most important moment in their glaucoma journey happens when they’re seen by their local optometrist before they enter secondary care. 

Optometrists can also support effective glaucoma pathways through local referral refinement schemes, if available in your area, and using these commissioned services where available before referring patients into secondary care. 

Referral into secondary care - what should be included? 

If the patient needs to go into secondary care, by identifying and documenting the key features of glaucoma in referrals, you help ensure the patient journey is as smooth as possible, with treatment beginning as soon as it is appropriate for that person.

Mr Sunny Deol

Reliable intraocular pressure measurements remain essential, but glaucoma risk is multifactorial. Referrals are most helpful when they provide a broader clinical picture, including:  

• Age and relevant medical history  

• Family history of glaucoma  

• Ethnicity, particularly where risk and progression may be higher  

• Central corneal thickness  

• Visual fields 

Together, these details allow ophthalmologists to assess the overall burden of risk and tailor investigations and management appropriately.  

How has glaucoma treatment evolved? 

Glaucoma care has changed significantly in recent years. Treatment is no longer limited to long-term eye drops. Current approaches may also include: 

• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)

• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)  

• Monitoring