Equipping Optometrists for the Future of Glaucoma Care.

This accredited module represents the first step on the glaucoma higher qualifications pathway and is designed to prepare optometrists to participate in recognised glaucoma referral refinement and ocular hypertension/suspect chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) monitoring schemes. With referral refinement and effective patient prioritisation playing a vital role in reducing unnecessary hospital appointments, this course enables community-based practitioners to work in closer partnership with colleagues in secondary care.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ Way Forward report predicts that the number of people living with glaucoma will rise by 44% by 2035, with demand outstripping the current capacity of the hospital eye service. This highlights the critical role optometrists—both in primary and secondary care—will play in delivering innovative models of glaucoma management.

The course consolidates core competencies (including those required for repeat measures pathways) and provides additional specialist knowledge and skills for the monitoring of patients with diagnosed OHT and suspect COAG with an established management plan. Considerable emphasis is placed on developing a professional, patient-centred approach, alongside an appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of glaucoma care.

Online lecture content covers:

•Pathogenesis of glaucomatous disease and types of glaucoma

•Epidemiology and risk factors for COAG, CAG, and OHT

•Optic disc anatomy, physiology, and glaucomatous change

•Differential diagnoses

•Visual field assessment: protocols, sources of error, repeatability, interpretation

•Intraocular pressure measurement (Goldmann, Perkins) and sources of error

•Anterior chamber assessment (Van Herick), closed angle glaucoma, central corneal thickness

•Treatment options for glaucoma and OHT

•NICE glaucoma guidelines and local referral protocols

•Principles of glaucoma management and monitoring

Your module is led by Colin Davidson (c.davidson2@herts.ac.uk)

By the end of the programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and clinical insight to contribute meaningfully to glaucoma care pathways, helping to safeguard patient vision and ease the growing pressures on secondary care services.

The University of Hertfordshire currently holds full College of Optometrists accreditation to provide this course.