Any opticians about- really worried

[Grapewrath]

My husband has just been for a routine eye test and she told him not to worry but she asked him to take a letter to the GP to investigate glaucoma.
Of course we opened it and it said the following:

Patient came in for a S/T today. Upon examination

• R ONH looks glaucomatous with vertical elongation+ NRR not defined
• R+L C/D ratios 0.60 deep cupping, LC seen
• Zata Fast Visual Field RE: WL LE: ONL (unreliable on repeated attempts)
• van herrick angles open

She told him his eye pressure is completely normal

Anyway, the GP has said there’s a bit of a wait with the hospital so I’m wondering if we should go privately of this sounds serious so I’d appreciate some insight.
DH said she didn’t seem overly concerned but I’m very worried

Have you got an eye hospital near you? Can you phone them for some advice? My optician (only Specsavers!) can refer straight into there for any eye health concerns, no need for a GP.

I had a call back the same day from them.

We only have a general hospital unfortunately. The GP surgery said it can take months. I can’t really afford to pay privately and trying not to google too much but I just find the prospect of glaucoma really frightening.

Why don’t you go back to the optician and ask for further explanation?

I think I'd be digging down the back of the sofa for the money. For peace of mind rather than having to wait.

Thanks I’ll find the money if I have to. I just wondered if anyone could shed any light.
Good idea to go back and ask also.

Open angle glaucoma is a very slow progressive condition. Your optician has just seen suspicious signs.
Because it is slowly progressive, an urgent referral isn’t clinically necessary. It is unlikely to get worse over months if it is indeed glaucoma in the first place… but could get worse over years if preventative treatment isn’t started

Thank you for this. I appreciate your reassurance. DH was examined a couple of years ago and all seemed fine so this came as a bit of a shock. It’s good to know there is no real urgency