title: A qualitative investigation into patients' views on visual field testing for glaucoma monitoring.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the views and experiences of patients regarding their glaucoma follow-up, particularly towards the type and frequency of visual field (VF) testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative investigation using focus groups. The group discussion used broad open questions around the topics in a prompt guide relating to experiences of glaucoma follow-up, and in particular, VF monitoring. All the groups were taped, transcribed and coded using manual and computer-aided methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England; two focus groups took place at each hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  28 patients (mean (SD) age: 74 (9) years; 54% women) diagnosed with glaucoma for at least 2 years. Each focus group consisted of 3-6 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  (1) Attitudes and experiences of patients with glaucoma regarding VF testing. (2) Patients' opinions about successful follow-up in glaucoma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  These patients did not enjoy the VF test but they recognised the importance of regular monitoring for preserving their vision. These patients would agree to more frequent VF testing on their clinician's recommendation. A number of themes recurred throughout the focus groups representing perceived barriers to follow-up care. The testing environment, waiting times, efficiency of appointment booking and travel to the clinic were all perceived to influence the general clinical experience and the quality of assessment data. Patients were also concerned about aspects of patient-doctor communication, and often received little to no feedback about their results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients trust the clinician to make the best decisions for their glaucoma follow-up. However, patients highlighted a number of issues that could compromise the effectiveness of VF testing. Addressing patient-perceived barriers could be an important step for devising optimal strategies for follow-up care.
authors.affiliation: Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Fiona C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Glen
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Crabb
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010358:Patient Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Patient views; Visual Fields