The Peterborough scheme for community specialist optometrists in glaucoma: results of 4 years of a two-tiered community-based assessment and follow-up service.

Aims: To report on results of an innovative glaucoma shared-care scheme based in Peterborough, UK.

Methods: A retrospective review of all new appointments with 11 community-based specialist optometrists in glaucoma (SOG) was conducted. There are two tiers of SOG, whereby tier 2 SOGs have increased levels of autonomy.

The Peterborough scheme for community specialist optometrists in glaucoma: a feasibility study.

Purpose: This study assessed the role of specialist optometrists who were working in the community and sharing the care for glaucoma patients with, and under close supervision of, a consultant ophthalmologist working in the Hospital Eye Services (HES) to ensure high-quality standards, safety, and care.

Methods: From February 2005 onwards, the majority of all new glaucoma referrals to our eye department were diverted to our specialist optometrists in glaucoma (SOGs) in their own community practices. Selected patients in the HES setting who were already diagnosed with stable glaucoma were also transferred to the SOGs.