Raised Intra Ocular Pressures
Optometric practitioners providing this service to patients who have raised IOP should follow:
- Patients who are identified as having IOP > 21 mmHg or pressure difference of ≥5mmHg between the eyes (with normal optic nerve head/visual field) from any form of tonometry during a standard General Ophthalmic Services [GOS] sight test/or private sight test will have immediate Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (for this enhanced service normal fields means full fields or a non glaucomatous field loss). If the results from the Goldmann Applanation Tonometry are within normal limits ≤ 21 mmHg the patient should be recalled normally after 12 months.
- If the results from the Goldmann Applanation Tonometry are > 21 mmHg the patient needs to have a repeat tonometry on a separate occasion 1-2 weeks later. If the results of the second Applanation Tonometer reading are >21mmHg patients need to be referred into secondary care via the GP.
- If there is a difference in IOP of ≥5mmHg between the eyes then provider should consider whether the second Goldmann Applanation Tonometer is required and referral may be appropriate, or whether there is a reasonable explanation (e.g. surgery to one eye). Patients who are identified as having IOP > 21 mmHg (abnormal optic nerve head/visual field) from any form of tonometry during a standard GOS sight test/or private sight test should be referred into secondary care via the GP.
- When it is impractical to use a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (e.g. house-bound) then a hand held Perkins should be used.
Deliver high quality eye care in a familiar environment to patients registered with a general practitioner within NHS Middlesbrough & NHS Redcar and Cleveland, NHS Hartlepool and NHS Stockton on Tees.
Agreement paperwork
Contract [pdf]
Other details
IOP scheme powerpoint (pptx) download
IOP referral refinement form (docx) download