30 June 2025
The AOP has highlighted research showing that 54% of High Street optometrists reported seeing a patient in the past year who has lost sight due to delays in the detection or treatment of glaucoma.
The AOP’s Voice of Optometry research, which was carried out between September and October 2024, reported that 90% of optometrists believe that most patients are unaware of risk factors for glaucoma, such as family history and age.
The research found that 86% of UK optometrists believe a nationally-commissioned glaucoma service, provided by optometrists in the community, would reduce waiting lists in secondary care.
More than half (52%) of respondents strongly agree or agree (35%) that these types of services can reduce preventable sight loss that can occur due to delayed and late diagnosis.
AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, emphasised that current approach to glaucoma in England is failing the public.
“Each year, people are faced with the reality of permanent sight loss as a direct result of delays to care and inconsistencies in eye care provision.But glaucoma services led by optometrists show that it does not need to be this way,” he said.
“The research we have conducted reveals a national glaucoma pathway in England could free up 300,000 hospital eye appointments and save the NHS over £12m every year,” Sampson highlighted.
Sampson said that the AOP is calling on the government to overhaul health services in England.
“We must ensure High Street optometrists can protect the public by detecting, monitoring and treating glaucoma, and ease the burden on hospital eye services,” he shared.
As part of the campaign, Matt Weale, 54, outlined his experience of facing delays in glaucoma treatment.
“By the time I was finally offered a follow-up appointment, my vision had already started to deteriorate,” he said.
“I felt like I was falling through the cracks, and it was terrifying – not knowing if I was going to lose my sight because the system was too stretched to see me,” Weale shared.
Weale said that he believes he would have become blind in his left eye if he had not been able to afford private care.
“I lost confidence, I had to give up my job, the things I loved – like playing football and performing,” he shared.
“I think about those who can’t afford to go private. If this is what happened to me in my
50s, how are older, more vulnerable patients supposed to cope?” Weale emphasised.
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The campaign also features the experiences of Cornwall resident and former MP, Paul Tyler, 83, who has been able to live with minimal side effects from glaucoma following an early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Tyler shared that he knew nothing about glaucoma before it was detected during a routine sight test.
“I had absolutely no clue that there was anything wrong and I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't had the diagnosis at that time. I don’t think I could have continued with my work as an MP if I’d lost sight and not been able to drive,” he said.
Optometrist and glaucoma specialist at Keith Holland Opticians, Ankur Trivedi, highlighted that community glaucoma services can support the early detection and management of the disease.
“We know that services, like the one here in Gloucestershire, that enable patients with suspected glaucoma to be referred to a qualified optometrist for further investigation rather than go straight into a hospital as well as monitoring their condition in the longer term, make a huge difference to their experience – ensuring they get the care they need, when they need it,” he said.
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