Automated bulk classification of glaucoma severity and progression using perimetry results

Ophthalmology is the busiest outpatient specialty with hundreds of thousands of NHS patients waiting for diagnosis or treatment, and an even greater number waiting for follow-up appointments [ 1 ]. Across the United Kingdom, glaucoma services are among the most under strain due to high prevalence of disease and suspicious clinical features, with a consequent requirement for longitudinal monitoring [ 2 ]. New approaches to tackling backlogs are needed, such as through pre-appointment triage to prioritise allocation of scarce clinic capacity. In one previous study, glaucoma doctors reviewing patients waiting for follow-up appointments were able to delay or discharge up to 40% of cases, and cancel up to 35% of planned visual field tests [ 3 ].