This issue of Optometric Management deals with adding new revenue streams to your practice. It’s impossible for me to be objective (I am the “Glaucoma” columnist, after all), but I can’t think of a better way to accomplish that than to establish a glaucoma specialty practice. Because it’s impossible for me to be objective, here, I underscore why you should do so. (See “Key Steps to Launch a Glaucoma Specialty,” below.)
Disease Prevalence
The rising prevalence of glaucoma means the demand for skilled, ongoing management is growing.1 Optometrists possess this expertise. In a qualitative analysis, Patrick JG Gunn, et al, found, “there is notable support for developing glaucoma services delivered by optometrists in primary and secondary care,” provided that training, technology, and interprofessional collaboration are in place.2 What’s more, a classic study shows optometrists can accurately detect glaucoma and ocular hypertension in population settings.3 The bottom line: initiating a glaucoma specialty is a proactive response to a need.
Professional Fulfillment
On a human level, glaucoma care is deeply meaningful. You detect early disease, track progression, intervene, help preserve vision, independence, and quality of life. For a clinician dedicated to managing ocular disease, this is precisely where we can make our biggest impact.
Practice Growth/Sustainability
Glaucoma patients typically require frequent monitoring visits and periodic procedural testing, like visual fields and imaging, by virtue of the progressive nature of the disease.
Beyond internal growth, a glaucoma specialty practice builds referral relationships with both colleagues and ophthalmologists, which also enhances your role as a primary eyecare provider in the community.
A Strategic Imperative
Initiating a dedicated glauco-ma specialty aligns with optometry’s impact on patient lives, the growing chronic disease burden, elevates our clinical brand, and strengthens the practice financially. If you’re ready to build your glaucoma service line, start with your core team, define your protocols, invest in diagnostics, and engage with mentors. Doing so will position your practice to be a leader in this area. OM
References
1. Ehrlich JR, Burke-Conte Z, Wittenborn JS, et al. Prevalence of glaucoma among US adults in 2022. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(11):1046-1053. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3884
2. Gunn PJG, Read S, Dickinson C, Fenerty CH, Harper RA. Providing capacity in glaucoma care using trained and accredited optometrists: A qualitative evaluation. Eye (Lond). 2024;38(5):994-1004. doi:10.1038/s41433-023-02820-5.
3. Azuara-Blanco A, Burr J, Thomas R, Maclennan G, McPherson S. The accuracy of accredited glaucoma optometrists in the diagnosis and treatment recommendation for glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol. 2007;91(12):1639-1643. doi:10.1136/bjo.2007.119628
