Public health knowledge of glaucoma: implications for the ophthalmic nurse

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.The disease is progressive and it destroys the optic nerve fibres. Public health knowledge of this eye disorder is varied and many sufferers have little or no knowledge about glaucoma. This is demonstrated by a study by Baker and Murdoch carried out in 2004 in West London and the Isle of Wight.The role of the ophthalmic nurse is important to educate patients and their family members as soon as a diagnosis is made. Understanding the patient's health beliefs and attitudes is essential in promoting concordance. Patients must make full use of learning resources and opportunities by becoming more actively involved. Patient empowerment through a multidisciplinary team approach is very important in managing this silent disease that robs many people of their valuable sight.