Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Disease » Glaucoma Treatment » Pressure Testing

Pressure Testing

Question:

I had one ophthlmologist who is highly regarded, and who made a serious error in my treatment (prescribed new med and failed to schedule follow-up; next visit found loss of field).  Everybody makes mistakes, but it sort of galls one when one’s very expensive expert is the one making the mistake.    Yes, optometrists can do pressure checks, but in my experience not as accurately as ophthalmologists.  I’d say the answer to your question would depend on how high your pressures are.   Why not discuss it with the ophthalmologist, pointing out that the cost of his service is a consideration for you?  See what he says. Good luck, Don Singleton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Christopher Lee wrote: > Hi, > I had been seeing an ophthalmologist for over 30 years and now a > glaucoma specialist every 8 weeks for the past 18 months (I was found to > have normal pressure glaucoma about 18 months ago).  My specialist > recently withdrew from my health insurance plan and my ophthalmologist > retired around the same time. "Maintenance" visits to the specialist to > check on pressure has become exceedingly expensive (I live in > Manhattan), especially so often. > Can pressure testing be done by an optometrist, hopefully at a lower > fee?  Does anyone have any opinion on such testing by an optometrist? > My specialist is very very highly regarded, but I have good reason–even > aside from costs–not to rely so much on him.  I know some will point > out that the extra bucks spent on the specialist might save my eyesight, > but I would eliminate that aspect from the scenario right now. > Any insights appreciated. > CL

Response:

how do you know this, given that eye pressure fluctuates from day to day, indeed according to the time of day?   a qualified optometrist should be able to check pressures on a regular basis. For people who can’t afford an opthamologist’s frequent visits, it’s better than no checks at all. urbanite

Response:

Related Posts

Write a comment