Glaucoma screening for black adults living in NWL Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Accessibility and availability of glaucoma screening services for Black adults living in the North-West London (NWL): A mixed methods study
IRAS ID
362415
Contact name
Zena Rodrigues
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study will investigate how accessible and available glaucoma screening services are for Black adults living in North-West London (NWL). Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the eye nerve (at the back of the eye), often without symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and the second most common reason for registration as blind or partially sighted in the UK. Black adults, particularly those of African and Caribbean descent, are at higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to other ethnic groups.
Early detection through regular eye tests is essential because glaucoma often has no early warning signs. Although national guidance recognises Black adults as a high-risk group, they are not currently eligible for free NHS-funded glaucoma assessments offered by high-street optometrists. This exclusion may contribute to delayed diagnosis and increased risk of sight loss.
The study will recruit 400 Black adults aged 18 and over who are not currently receiving hospital eye care. Participants will attend the hospital-based research unit (Imperial Clinical Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG)) at the Western Eye Hospital for a 30 to 45-minute visit involving standard, painless eye tests such as a vision check, eye pressure measurement, visual field testing, and eye scans. Those diagnosed with suspected or confirmed glaucoma will be invited to a follow-up interview 6-8 weeks later, lasting about 1 hour, to explore reasons and experiences that may have prevented early detection.
The study will run for approximately four years. Findings will help identify undiagnosed glaucoma cases and provide insights into why some individuals do not access screening. This evidence aims to inform improvements in glaucoma screening pathways and promote equitable access to eye care for Black communities in NWL.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0092
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion