Ask the Expert

Headshot of Louis Pasquale, MDLouis R. Pasquale, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
Director, Glaucoma Service, Mass. Eye and Ear

 

 

At what point should an eye care provider refer a patient to a glaucoma specialist?

Glaucoma specialists have the training and expertise to medically and surgically treat all types of glaucoma—common, advanced, rare, and complex. Eye care providers should consider referring a patient to a glaucoma specialist when:

  • The diagnosis of glaucoma is uncertain
  • Available diagnostic resources are limited
  • The patient is taking multiple medications
  • The patient is not responding to treatment
  • The disease is progressing, despite normal IOP