Key Summary
Experts have warned that delayed care for glaucoma, that affects 700,000 people in the UK, will leave some permanently blind soon.
Glaucoma is a condition caused by fluid build-up in the front part of the eye harming the optic nerve connecting the eyes and brain.
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has raised this concern recently. They say most cases of blindness is caused either by late detection or delayed treatment.
They stated that out of the total 915 Optometrists, 54 per cent of them had witnessed patients go blind due to this last year.
The condition comes with no specific symptoms.
A study conducted by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists highlights increased chances for 22 per cent spike in glaucoma cases by the year 2035.
According to the AOP, 2022 reforms in Wales allow optometrists to provide glaucoma care on the high street, with similar schemes in Scotland and parts of England.
Therefore, the government has been asked to ensure a national glaucoma pathway for England through which patients have access to high street opticians and better facilities.
As per their research, this pathway could reduce around 300,000 hospital eye appointments along with a profit of £12 million every year for NHS.
“If I hadn’t been able to pay for private care, I truly believe I would have gone blind in my left eye. I lost confidence, I had to give up my job, the things I loved like playing football and performing,” said 54-year-old Matt Weale, a glaucoma patient.
The AOP is urging the government to revamp glaucoma facilities in England.
“The current approach to glaucoma in England is failing the public. But glaucoma services led by optometrists show that it does not need to be this way,” said AOP chief executive Adam Sampson.
