Mapping glaucoma higher qualifications within UK optometry.

Purpose: The chronic capacity crisis in secondary care glaucoma services has resulted in calls to expand contributions by primary care optometrists. This study aims to map the current geographic spread of optometrists with post-graduate higher qualifications in glaucoma and independent prescribing (IP) within the UK, providing insight into the potential for expansion of capacity in glaucoma care.

Methods: Data on glaucoma-related and IP higher qualifications accredited by the College of Optometrists, as of April and August 2024, respectively, were analysed. The geographic distribution was mapped at both regional and local district levels using Quantum Geographic Information System software, geolocation application programming interface (postcodes.io) and programming languages JavaScript and Structured Query Language. Results for 2024 were compared with those previously published to determine change over time.

Results: From 2021 to 2024, the number of optometrists with higher qualifications in glaucoma has increased: Professional Certificate holders rose by 48% to 1986, Higher Certificate holders by 29% to 223, Diploma holders by 49% to 145, those with both Diploma and IP qualifications by 57% to 127 and IP alone holders by 88% to 1952. Regional variations appear to persist.

Conclusion: The number of optometrists holding postgraduate higher qualifications in glaucoma and IP in the UK has increased substantially. These data suggest that primary care optometrists are willing to upskill to gain the necessary glaucoma accreditations required to provide glaucoma care, potentially affording significant primary care capacity expansion to existing glaucoma services.