Missing tests at clinic

[Donaloge]

Last week I had my firth five-month follow-up after being diagnosed with suspected glaucoma.

I was seen first by a technician who measured my ocular pressure (17 and 15) and had me read letters from the charts.

I then went straight to see the nurse practitioner. She told me that the eye drops were working and my eyes doing fine.

I am now wondering whether it is normal for a visit to the ophthalmology clinic not to include retinal imaging and peripheral vision testing. My previous visits have included both.

I should have asked the nurse!

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thank you.

[Popsicle57]

Hi Donalogue

At my first follow up after starting the eye drops, my experience was exactly the same, Eye pressures had come down, chart reading was good, was told the drops were doing their job. No other imaging, field tests etc done. My report stated my eyes were stable and another review in six months.

After a further six months I’ve just had my second follow up, pressures were taken and had risen slightly but still within the “ normal” range, chart reading good, but this time they took photographs of the back of the eye. A week later received my report, eyes are stable, will be reviewed in 9 months.

I’m assuming follow up appointments , if all appears good, are not as rigorous as the initial appointment.

[Donaloge in reply to Popsicle57]

Thank you Popsicle57. What you say is very helpful and reassuring.

Best wishes,

John

[Beecalmed]

Hi! It sounds you were just being checked to see if your eyedrops were working. A pressure test and visual acuity will check that pressures are down and stable. I’m guessing you may get a fuller check on your next visit. But depends how aggressive your glaucoma was at diagnosis as to how often that check is and how often OCT is done.

[Donaloge in reply to Beecalmed]

Thank you Beecalmed. That is reassuring and much appreciated/

Best wishes,

John

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello. Retinal imaging and peripheral vision testing is done more often if the eye specialist has concerns that the glaucoma is not being controlled and there are signs of progression.

If everything is stable and well maintained with no concerns on progression then it is normally done every year.

[Donaloge in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish. That's very helpful and reassuring.

John

[salla22 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

I have the same tests as you twice a year.Pressure is fine but higher in the fit eye with no eye drops. No further actions taken, never speak to a consultant

[Donaloge in reply to salla22]

Thank you salla22. My experience seems to be a common one.

John