title: An analysis of referral routes and diagnostic accuracy in cases of suspected glaucoma.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leicester, England.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Sheldrick
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000592:standards; D009907:Optometry / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation