GPs lack confidence when dealing with major eye conditions

A recent survey found that GPs lack confidence in diagnosing major eye conditions. The survey found that just one third of the GPs questioned were confident in diagnosing symptoms or signs of age-related macular degeneration and only half were confident in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. Our view is if you experience problems with your eyes, please visit your optometrist.

Worryingly only a quarter of respondents had been offered training on how to support patients who were blind and partially sighted. And although it is encouraging that the vast majority wished to enhance their knowledge through training, the experts on eyes will always be optometrists. GPs shouldn’t be expected to have the level of expertise in eye care that you will receive from your optometrist. They also don’t have the technology on hand to give your eyes a thorough examination to accurately diagnose an eye condition.

If you have toothache, you would visit your dentist and similarly if you have issues with your eyes, you should visit your optometrist.