Course: Sound Optometry: Episode 14

Section

General

Domains: Clinical practice, Professionalism

No CPD Points

Welcome to Sound Optometry, a podcast from Docet hosted by Michelle Hanratty, an IP optometrist with over 20 years’ experience in both high street and hospital settings. Each month, through case studies and in-depth conversations, we explore the topics that matter most to you as an optometrist and are relevant to everyday practice.

Episode 14 - Glaucoma: Assessing the risk to resolve referral dilemma

In this episode, Michelle Hanratty explores the risk of glaucoma going undetected in patients who have undergone laser vision correction, with consultant ophthalmologist Imran Masood. The discussion also touches on broader risk factors, as Mr Masood describes the optic disc features that may indicate glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a sight-threatening disease, and timely referral with regular monitoring is essential to prevent vision loss. Hospital optometrist Paddy Gunn shares practical guidance on managing borderline cases, ensuring appropriate referral and reassuring patients who have missed routine glaucoma monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This episode also offers insight into how glaucoma services are managing high demand, and how optometrists can help ease pressure on the NHS by supporting patients who require urgent review.

Subscribe to the series on your preferred podcast player so you don’t miss an episode. You can access all episodes of Sound Optometry here.

First published: October 2021
Last reviewed: January 2022

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Learning outcomes

Professionalism

s.4 Show care and compassion for your patients

Able to identify and respond appropriately to patients’ fears, anxieties and concerns about their glaucomatous condition.

Clinical practice

s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

Understand the risk factors for glaucoma.

s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

Able to formulate an appropriate management plan for a patient with suspect glaucoma, or of a patient already diagnosed but requires assessment in the community.
Knowledge of when the referral of a patient is indicated.

Unit 1 - Glaucoma audio track (~25 min)

Audio track
Please listen to the podcast available here or through your preferred podcast listening app. Select the blue arrow at the bottom of the player to access various podcast apps.
Key Points

Potential effect of laser vision correction and central corneal thickness on IOP measurements
Risk factors for glaucoma
Optic disc changes in glaucoma
Screening and detecting glaucoma in primary care
Referral pathways for glaucoma
Risk of delayed monitoring and follow-up of glaucoma patients.

Unit 2 - Required reading (~25 min)

More information

References
URLCollege of Optometrists (2024) Glaucoma (chronic open angle) (COAG). Guidance. Clinical Management Guidelines. [Accessed Oct 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
Henderer J (2006) Disc damage likelihood scale. Br J Ophthalmol; 90(4), pp 395-396
URLSpaeth G (2005) The Disc Damage Likelihood Scale: Using the optic disc to diagnose and manage glaucoma. Glaucoma Today. [Accessed Oct 2025] URL Opens in a new window.
Docet would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:
Mr Imran Masood, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Director of Glaucoma Services, Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust)
Mr Patrick (Paddy) Gunn, Principal Optometrist Education and Training, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

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