Systematic Review on the Modern Strategies in Glaucoma Treatment – The Role of Optometrists

As the global population continues to age, there is an increasing emphasis on managing age-related health conditions, among which glaucoma is particularly prominent. Optometrists play a significant role in the timely detection and management of glaucoma. Therefore, this review is aimed at examining the role of optometry in the management of glaucoma. A search of PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar identified articles from 1990 onward, focusing on the role of optometry in glaucoma management. The JBI checklists were used to appraise the quality of the studies, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. A total of 11 original, peer-reviewed articles published from November 1993 up to January 2025 were identified. The identified roles of optometry in glaucoma management include screening and managing affected individuals using available diagnostic equipment such as CCT, gonioscopy, tonometry, and ophthalmoscopy. Numerous studies highlight their capacity to perform advanced diagnostic procedures and effectively screen glaucoma patients, with a high level of agreement with ophthalmologists on various aspects of patient evaluation and management. Thus, utilizing the skills and capacities of optometry professionals helps to improve vision-related quality of life and achieve better patient outcomes.