An optometrist's role of co-management in a hospital glaucoma clinic

In recent years, optometrists have started to work in some clinical roles i n hospital medical clinics. This paper outlines the current working practic e in a typical glaucoma clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust and goe s on to establish the ability of an optometrist working with a team of opht halmologists. In this study, 54 patients (n = 108 eyes) were recruited and clinically ass essed by an optometrist. Subsequently, a research fellow (i.e. ophthalmolog ist) assessed the same patients independently. The results were compared in order to determine the accuracy of the optometrist's evaluation and propos ed management. This paper considers the costs of employing personnel by reviewing the sala ries of optometrists and medical assistants. Although nurses have started t o work alongside ophthalmologists, and orthoptists may be considering such work, it is not within the scope of this paper to consider either of these groups. If optometrists are to become an accepted part of a glaucoma clinic al team, consideration needs to be given to the training and experience the y receive. (C) 2000 The College of Optometrists. Published by Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.