The initial glaucoma diagnosis is made through an eye examination by an optometrist (O.D.) or ophthalmologist (M.D.). The examination begins with an ophthalmic assistant, technician, or scribe gathering patient information, including any family history of glaucoma. Then the ophthalmic assistant takes a reading of the patient’s intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is measured with an instrument called a tonometer, using a technique called applanation tonometry. The test is performed after anesthetic... more