What is a Glaucoma Prescribing Optometrist?

If you’re living with glaucoma, you may have heard the term ‘glaucoma prescribing optometrist’. But what exactly does it mean, and how do glaucoma prescribing optometrists fit into your eye care?

Glaucoma prescribing optometrists are registered optometrists who have completed extra training. This training allows them to diagnose, prescribe medicines and manage glaucoma independently within their scope of practice.

We had a quick chat with Wellington-based glaucoma prescribing optometrist Inhae Park. She says that these specialised optometrists work alongside ophthalmologists as well as independently in the community. It’s part of a collaborative approach to glaucoma care.

Working together to care for people with glaucoma

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition that requires regular monitoring to help protect sight. Ongoing care might include both an ophthalmologist and a glaucoma prescribing optometrist. This depends on the person’s individual circumstances.

“If patients are stable and only need six-, nine- or 12-month reviews, we can certainly have them in our clinic,” says Inhae.

“That frees up time for ophthalmologists to see more complex and urgent patients.”

For patients, this means they get care from the right clinician for their needs. Ophthalmologists will still be available for surgery or complex treatments.

Supporting timely access to care

As New Zealand’s population ages, more people are requiring glaucoma care. Glaucoma prescribing optometrists are helping to meet this growing demand. They do it by working alongside ophthalmologists, other eye care professionals and seeing glaucoma patients in the community.

“Just having one extra clinician means another 10 or 15 people can be seen that day,” she says.

“Those are people who don’t have to wait.”

For many people, receiving ongoing glaucoma care closer to home can also make managing a lifelong condition easier.

“They don’t have to travel into a regional hospital, organise transport or ask family members to take time off work,” says Inhae.

“The burden is substantially less.”

Is this model of care right for everyone?

Not everyone with glaucoma will be suitable for ongoing care with a glaucoma prescribing optometrist.

“It differs case by case,” says Inhae.

Multiple factors determine the most appropriate care pathway. Those include the type of glaucoma, how advanced it is, previous treatments and other eye conditions.

Some people have more complex glaucoma. Others may have a rapidly progressing disease or need surgery. They continue to be managed by an ophthalmologist.

A person’s glaucoma may change over time. Glaucoma prescribing optometrists would then work closely with ophthalmologists. This ensures they receive the care they need.

A growing role in glaucoma care

In a 2024 study on optometry in New Zealand, Inhae and team found 97 optometrists across the country who prescribe for glaucoma. The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) now lists nearly 120 optometrists with this extra training. This shows the ongoing growth of this specialised workforce.

The role of glaucoma prescribing optometrists is also supported by New Zealand research. A study compared glaucoma-credentialed optometrists with glaucoma specialists. It found they agreed well on assessing glaucoma progression. They also made similar management decisions for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. The researchers found that collaborative care can be delivered safely and as planned.

If you have questions about your glaucoma care, talk with your ophthalmologist or eye care professional. They can talk about the care options. Then, they’ll suggest the best approach for your unique needs.

Learn more

Watch: Learn how glaucoma prescribing optometrists work to provide ongoing glaucoma care.


 

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