A comparison of glaucoma case detection methods

Mr Alvin Leong

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is a chronic disease affecting approximately 2% of the population over forty.  Optometrists currently initiate about 3/4 of the referrals to ophthalmologists for suspect glaucoma, yet the accuracy of these referrals has been shown to have a positive predictive value of 40%.

The most efficient form of screening is accepted as consisting of optic disc assessment, intra-ocular pressures and visual field testing. Until recently, scanning laser ophthalmoscopes have only been used in the hospital eye service.  However, it is claimed that the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph 2 (HRT2) offers a mode of disc assessment not previously available to high street practitioners.  HRT2 may have the potential to be a useful tool for primary open angle glaucoma screening in the community.

This study compared HRT2 disc assessment with conventional means of evaluating the optic disc and the results will assess the HRT2's feasibility for use in optometric practice.

Mr Ieong was awarded a MSc following successful completion of this research project. His research paper has been published.

Reference (Link to research publication list)