Objective:

To urgently address the rising incidence of glaucoma and improve care pathways in the UK to alleviate pressure on hospital services.

Key Findings:

• Glaucoma affects over one million people in the UK, with projections to rise by 100,000 by 2030.
• Glaucoma accounts for 20-25% of outpatient activity in hospital eye services.
• 40% to 75% of new glaucoma referrals could be prevented with effective GRFS, freeing up thousands of hospital appointments.
• Patient satisfaction is high with GRFS, reporting shorter wait times and better communication.
• Inconsistent availability of GRFS across England leads to significant variation in care and outcomes.

Interpretation:

Implementing optometry-led services and shared care pathways can alleviate pressure on hospital services, improve patient outcomes, and enhance safety.

Limitations:

• Current services are not uniformly available across England, leading to disparities in care and potential risks for patients.
• Need for regular audits and data publication to ensure safety and effectiveness of services.

Conclusion:

Universal commissioning of enhanced glaucoma services in primary care is essential to prevent avoidable sight loss and create sustainable care models, requiring immediate action.