Two months ago during a routine Specsavers eye test, the optometrist beckoned me to another part of the examination dept. to wait for a glaucoma test. Another technician then commenced the glaucoma 'Air Puff' (AP) test using an AP tonometer. She had a puzzled look on her face after considering the results and beckoned me to another AP tonometer where the test was repeated. With an even more puzzled look on her face she then said, "I need to speak to my colleague." She then reappeared with the senior optometrist who suggested the test needed repeating … for a third time. Following the third test the optometrist announced, "Glaucoma test results indicate a too high I.O.P. … intraocular pressure … you have glaucoma and need a referral to an ophthalmologist which we will arrange via your GP at your local medical practice. I thanked the optometrist and was then introduced to a Specsavers' technician who assisted me to choose and order new glasses.

Thus followed a worrying 8 weeks before yesterday's earliest available appointment with an Anglia Community Eye Services (ACES) ophthalmologist. Yesterday's tests did not include an AP tonometer test but I had four other tests / examinations including one using a different type of tonometer.

Following the opthalmologist's examinations he advised, "You do not have glaucoma … so please do not concern yourself about any eye defects. Your optic nerve is healthy and shows no signs of deterioration … and drainage is fine. The IOP is a little on the high side but of no concern … it's within the normal range. The 'air puff' test is often inaccurate and gives 'too high' readings. As a precautionary measure, because there is a glaucoma history in your family, we'll see you in 6 months time … but there really is nothing to worry about … no treatment or drops required."

What a relief after two months of worry wondering if I'll still be able to use a camera in a few years time. One elderly aunt became partially sighted in her 90s due to glaucoma.

The question arises as to whether Specsavers is using the most up to date and reliable test equipment. From what I've read there are better test procedures available and they're not 'rocket science' i.e. can be used by optometrists in high street opticians. I'm grateful for the more thorough ophthalmologist's examination but it was not really necessary .. and likely cost the NHS a pretty penny or two.

dunk