The Status of Glaucoma Diagnostics and Care in Europe in 2015: A European Survey

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the current status of glaucoma diagnostics and care in Europe.

Methods

A questionnaire addressing glaucoma patient organizations, resident education, access to an ophthalmologist, use and reimbursement of techniques/instruments for glaucoma diagnostics and follow-up, prescription rules, and glaucoma drug reimbursement was sent to all national representatives of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) in 2015. The country-specific responses were analyzed and summarized.

Results

Completed questionnaires were returned for 24 countries. In 2015, a glaucoma patient organization is functioning in 57% of the respondent countries. Waiting time for an ophthalmology resident position varies between ≤6 months and >2 years. The duration of ophthalmology resident training varies between 3 and 7 years. Nonemergency access to an ophthalmologist is available directly in 45.8% and via the general practitioner in 25% of the countries. Disc photography/imaging is always done during glaucoma diagnostics in 9.5% and for follow-up in 55.5% of the respondent countries. Initial therapy of glaucoma is medical in 100% (monotherapy in 91.3%) of the respondent countries. Clinical and visual field examination but not disc photography/imaging is reimbursed in 47.5% of the countries, while in another 47.5% all examinations are reimbursed. Dispensing of the prescribed original eyedrops by the pharmacists is mandatory in 43.5% of the countries, while the aut idem rule applies in 52.2%, and the aut simile rule in 4.3%.

Conclusions

Diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up of glaucoma remains diverse in Europe. The differences are due to financial/reimbursement differences. When reimbursement allows, the EGS Guidelines are followed.