Glaucoma Enhanced Referral Service

Specialist Glaucoma Assessments at Cacoullis Opticians

At Cacoullis Opticians, we are accredited to provide the Black Country Glaucoma Enhanced Referral Service, an NHS service that allows patients with suspected glaucoma to have further specialist tests at our practice, rather than being referred straight to hospital.

If we notice anything during your eye examination that could indicate glaucoma, we can arrange a more detailed assessment within our practice. This helps us establish whether a hospital referral is necessary or whether your eyes can be safely monitored in the community.

All of our optometrists hold the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma and are accredited to provide this service, giving you access to a higher level of glaucoma assessment closer to home.

What Happens if Glaucoma is Suspected?

If we identify any concerns during your routine eye examination, we'll explain our findings and arrange an enhanced glaucoma assessment.

This appointment involves a series of additional tests to examine your optic nerves, measure the pressure inside your eyes and assess your peripheral vision.

Depending on your individual needs, your assessment may include:

• Detailed eye pressure measurements
• OCT scans and imaging of the optic nerves
• Examination of the optic nerves, including dilation where necessary
• Visual field testing to check your peripheral vision
• A discussion of your results and whether any further care is needed

Once we've completed the assessment, we'll explain what we've found and advise you on the next steps.

In some cases, the additional tests will show that a hospital referral isn't necessary. Other patients may benefit from continued monitoring, while those with signs of glaucoma will be referred directly to the hospital eye service for further investigation and treatment where required.

The aim is to avoid unnecessary hospital appointments while making sure patients who do need specialist care are referred promptly.

A Specialist NHS Service

Not every optician is accredited to provide the Black Country Glaucoma Enhanced Referral Service.

As an accredited practice, we can also see patients referred to us by other local opticians who don't provide the service themselves.

This means you may be able to have the additional tests you need locally, without having to attend a hospital eye clinic in the first instance.

Following your assessment, we'll take the time to explain your results, answer any questions and make sure you understand what happens next.

Whether that's reassurance, ongoing monitoring or a referral to hospital, you can be confident that your eyes have been carefully assessed by an optometrist with additional qualifications in glaucoma.

Our priority is to identify patients who need further care while avoiding unnecessary hospital referrals wherever possible.