Community eye screening event in a rural village.

Is Glaucoma Hiding in Plain Sight? How Community Eye Checks Can Save Your Vision

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights the effectiveness of local optometrists in detecting glaucoma, offering a beacon of hope for early intervention and preventing blindness."

Glaucoma, a stealthy thief of sight, affects millions worldwide. It’s estimated that 10% of all blindness is attributable to this condition, with a disproportionate impact on Asian populations. Imagine a world where this silent disease is detected early, preventing irreversible vision loss. That future may be closer than you think.

For years, the gold standard for glaucoma diagnosis has been a visit to a specialist ophthalmologist. However, access to these specialists is often limited, especially in rural or underserved communities. This scarcity creates a significant barrier to early detection and timely treatment, leading to preventable cases of blindness.

But what if trained optometrists, already present in many communities, could bridge this gap? A recent study from the L. V. Prasad Eye Institute – Glaucoma Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (LVPEI-GLEAMS) explores the potential of community-based eye exams led by optometrists to detect glaucoma effectively. The results are promising and offer a new approach to combatting this global health challenge.

The Visionary Study: How Optometrists are Changing the Game in Glaucoma Detection

Community eye screening event in a rural village.

The LVPEI-GLEAMS study, conducted between 2010 and 2014, involved a thorough examination of 3,833 individuals in 16 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. What made this study unique? Instead of relying solely on ophthalmologists, trained optometrists conducted comprehensive eye exams, including:

Complete medical history review
Slit lamp photography (imaging the front of the eye)
Anterior and posterior segment imaging
Frequency doubling technology (FDT) for visual field testing
Standard automated perimetry (SAP) for detailed visual field assessment
Gonioscopy (angle examination) using a Sussman 4 mirror goniolens
Post-dilation evaluation of the optic disc and fundus with a 90D lens

Complete medical history review, Slit lamp photography (imaging the front of the eye), Anterior and posterior segment imaging, Frequency doubling technology (FDT) for visual field testing, Standard automated perimetry (SAP) for detailed visual field assessment, Gonioscopy (angle examination) using a Sussman 4 mirror goniolens, Post-dilation evaluation of the optic disc and fundus with a 90D lens

Based on these comprehensive exams, the optometrists made diagnoses of various types of glaucoma, including primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). The results were then compared to findings from other major studies.

A Brighter Future for Vision: Empowering Communities Through Accessible Eye Care

The LVPEI-GLEAMS study shines a spotlight on the potential of trained optometrists to effectively detect glaucoma in community settings. By leveraging this readily available resource, we can overcome barriers to access and bring early detection to those who need it most. This approach holds the key to preventing countless cases of vision loss and building a brighter future for eye health worldwide.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/09286586.2018.1551961, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Primary Glaucoma As Diagnosed By Study Optometrists Of L. V. Prasad Eye Institute – Glaucoma Epidemiology And Molecular Genetics Study

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: Ophthalmic Epidemiology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Uday Kumar Addepalli, Ganesh B. Jonnadula, Chandra Sekhar Garudadri, Rohit C. Khanna, Eric B. Papas

Published: 2018-11-29

Everything You Need To Know

What role do community eye checks play in combating glaucoma, particularly in underserved areas?

Community eye checks, especially in underserved areas, are crucial for early glaucoma detection, addressing the limited access to specialist ophthalmologists. Programs like the LVPEI-GLEAMS study demonstrate that trained optometrists can effectively perform comprehensive eye exams using techniques like slit lamp photography, anterior and posterior segment imaging, frequency doubling technology (FDT), standard automated perimetry (SAP), and gonioscopy. This enables early diagnosis and treatment, preventing irreversible vision loss and blindness.

What specific techniques were used by optometrists in the LVPEI-GLEAMS study to detect glaucoma?

In the LVPEI-GLEAMS study, trained optometrists used several key techniques to detect glaucoma. These included a complete medical history review, slit lamp photography to image the front of the eye, anterior and posterior segment imaging, frequency doubling technology (FDT) for visual field testing, standard automated perimetry (SAP) for detailed visual field assessment, gonioscopy using a Sussman 4 mirror goniolens to examine the angle of the eye, and a post-dilation evaluation of the optic disc and fundus with a 90D lens. This comprehensive approach allowed them to identify various types of glaucoma, such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).

How does the involvement of optometrists in glaucoma detection address the existing challenges in accessing eye care?

Engaging optometrists in glaucoma detection helps overcome the limited access to specialist ophthalmologists, particularly in rural or underserved communities. The LVPEI-GLEAMS study showed that trained optometrists can effectively conduct comprehensive eye exams, utilizing techniques such as slit lamp photography and standard automated perimetry (SAP), to diagnose glaucoma. By leveraging optometrists' presence in communities, early detection becomes more accessible, leading to timely intervention and reduced cases of preventable blindness. This approach expands the reach of eye care services to those who might otherwise go undiagnosed until the disease has progressed significantly.

What are the different types of glaucoma that were identified in the LVPEI-GLEAMS study, and why is accurate classification important?

The LVPEI-GLEAMS study identified several types of glaucoma, including primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure suspect (PACS), primary angle closure (PAC), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Accurate classification is critical because each type has different underlying mechanisms and requires specific management strategies. For example, angle closure glaucoma involves blockage of the drainage angle, while normal tension glaucoma occurs despite normal intraocular pressure. Correct identification ensures patients receive appropriate and timely treatment to prevent further vision loss.

What are the broader implications of the LVPEI-GLEAMS study for global eye health and the future of glaucoma detection?

The LVPEI-GLEAMS study has significant implications for global eye health, particularly in glaucoma detection. By demonstrating the effectiveness of trained optometrists in community settings, it provides a scalable model for early detection programs worldwide. This approach can help reduce the burden of glaucoma-related blindness, especially in underserved populations where access to ophthalmologists is limited. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive eye exams, including techniques like frequency doubling technology (FDT) and gonioscopy, in identifying glaucoma at an early stage. Widespread adoption of this model could lead to a significant decrease in preventable vision loss and improve overall eye health outcomes globally.