Working well with your healthcare team

Important information to tell your healthcare team

If you're being checked to see if you have glaucoma, there is a number of key things you should try to let your doctor or specialist know, including:

• If you have any symptoms of eye problems, such as blurred vision, halos around lights or headaches
• When your symptoms happen
  • A list of all the medications that you are taking (including non-prescription and herbal remedies)
  • Any eye injuries or eye surgeries that you have had
  • If you have a family history of eye problems, such as glaucoma

If you've already been diagnosed with glaucoma, let the healthcare team know:

• How the condition is making you feel emotionally

If you have accidentally missed some of your eye drops or you're having problems coping with taking the eye drops. It can be tempting to hold back on facts like these, but hiding information could affect and even hinder your treatment and care and the healthcare team are there to help you work out a way of taking your medicine that suits you.

Questions you might want to ask

Don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure about any of your doctor's or specialist's recommendations. If you feel there's a lot to remember, you may find it helps to take notes while talking with your doctor.

Make sure you understand all you want to know about your condition, and know why certain treatment options have been suggested. It can be difficult to know what questions to ask about your condition but remember that it is your vision that is at stake so it's important to take an active role.

You could consider asking:

• Do I have high eye pressure?
• What should my pressure level be?
• Have I lost vision?
• Should I be getting treatment for glaucoma now?
• When do I need to come back for a follow-up visit?

And if you are prescribed treatment:

• What medication will I be using?
• How does it work?
• How often should I use it?
• What side effects might occur?
• Will this medication interact with any other medication that I am using?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?

You might also want to ask:

• Where can I go to get more information about glaucoma? There may be websites your doctor considers useful or patient support groups that can provide information.
• Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help my condition improve, such as changing my eating habits or giving up smoking?
• If you're not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful.

Don't think you are wasting your doctor's time if you have lots of questions and concerns. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available. This may not be possible when you see a specialist.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you should receive medication for your glaucoma, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

Read more about how your pharmacist can help you (PDF)

As part of the service to make sure your medications are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your Pharmacist can offer you a free Medicines Use Review (MUR). Find out more about the Medicines Use Review (PDF)

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your condition better and live your life in the best possible health.

See our guide to finding your way around the NHS (PDF)