Glaucoma Testing in Holland Park West

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the cable that carries vision from your eye to your brain. It is often linked to higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye, though it can also occur at normal pressures.

Because glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first and progresses slowly, most people don't notice it until significant, permanent damage has already occurred. That's what makes regular testing so important.

Who is at risk?

Risk increases with age, a family history of glaucoma, higher eye pressure, certain ethnic backgrounds, diabetes, and some medications. If a close relative has glaucoma, your own risk is several times higher — so please let us know.

How we check for glaucoma

Glaucoma can't be diagnosed from how your vision feels — it has to be looked for. As part of a comprehensive eye examination we assess your optic nerves, measure the pressure inside your eyes, and examine your retina.

Where indicated, we carry out automated visual field testing in-house on our Medmont M700 perimeter, which maps your peripheral vision to look for the pattern of loss glaucoma causes. That testing is part of your consultation.

We may also recommend an OCT scan. An OCT images the optic nerve in cross-section and measures the thickness of the nerve fibre layer around it — thinning there can indicate glaucoma before any vision has been lost — and it gives us a baseline to compare against over time, so change can be picked up early. It is an optional additional test rather than part of a routine examination: $60 for the scan and a retinal photograph of both eyes, which Medicare does not rebate. We will always explain why we are suggesting it and quote the cost before going ahead.

How we help, and when we refer

Optometrists play a key role in detecting and monitoring glaucoma. If we find signs or risk factors, we monitor you at the appropriate interval and refer you to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment when needed — glaucoma treatment, whether eye drops, laser or surgery, is managed by ophthalmology. We provide a detailed clinical summary and continue to co-manage your eye health alongside your specialist.