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Optometrists no longer able to independently manage glaucoma

Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy

The Optometry Board of Australia’s revised Guidelines for use of scheduled medicines was released on Monday 8th December 2014 with the amendments made to the treatment of glaucoma by optometrists effective immediately.

Under the guidelines, optometrists are still able to assess patients for glaucoma, make an initial diagnosis and commence treatment where appropriate, but must provide a referral to an ophthalmologist about glaucoma within 4 months of initiating treatment. Where there is a change in the patient’s condition, a referral must be expedited.

For patients who have had their chronic glaucoma treated independently by an optometrist, they should be referred to an ophthalmologist no later than April 8, 2015.

The Optometry Board of Australia has a FAQ page to answer questions about the modified guidelines.

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