An analysis of referral routes and diagnostic accuracy in cases of suspected glaucoma

Over a nine-month period two hundred and thirteen referrals to the Department of Ophthalmology of the Leicester Royal Infirmary, England, for suspicion of glaucoma were examined by a single ophthalmologist. Ninety-nine percent of referrals resulted from the findings at an optometric visit. Despite this, less than 32% were confirmed as having glaucoma and less than 23% had ocular hypertension. Twenty-nine percent showed no abnormality. Of those with glaucoma 19% showed advanced field loss in their worse eye. The guidelines relating to referral practices as a result of optometric examinations need to be reviewed and agreed upon by ophthalmologists, optometrists and general practitioners.