Home Glaucoma Monitoring with Eyecatcher

Context

Glaucoma affects half a million individuals in the UK, a figure that is projected to rise by 44% over the next 15 years. Ophthalmology accounts for more outpatient visits than any other speciality in NHS hospital care and glaucoma is the most prevalent condition among those attending.

Problem

Patients with glaucoma consume considerable resources due to the large number of follow up visits and lifelong monitoring required. Key tests for glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring include measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field test using automated perimetry, and assessment of the optic disc and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). Regular assessment is required to detect and quantify possible disease progression, estimate risk of visual loss, and determine responses to treatment. For example, it is recommended that newly diagnosed patients have at least 6 visits in the first 2 years to determine whether vision is declining. Hospital eye services are struggling to meet these intervals, with some patients being reported as having lost sight due to appointment delays.

There is a UK shortage of ophthalmologists, which has been exacerbated by nursing staff shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting a challenge to the delivery of care.

Solution

To assess the accuracy and feasibility of using Eyecatcher to perform portable Visual Field assessments directly within care homes and private residences (“domiciliary care”). By integrating Eyecatcher into already ongoing domiciliary care programmes, and evidence the possibility of a smarter, more convenient approach to glaucoma management, and help to empower Scottish optometrists to better cope with the eye care needs of Scotland’s ageing population.

Results

The SBRI project provided a foundation for Irida to continue developing and refining the Eyecatcher technology.