“Very thorough consultation and good explanation of disease and ongoing management.”

Verified patient
Treatment options

Glaucoma management at Devon Eyes

Mr Evans offers the full range of treatments, with a plan personalised to your diagnosis, pressure targets, and lifestyle.

Eye drops

Pressure-lowering eye drops are the most common first-line treatment. Mr Evans helps patients find a regimen that is effective and manageable day to day.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

A 5-minute outpatient laser procedure that improves aqueous drainage and lowers IOP. No incisions. Can reduce or eliminate the need for drops. Repeatable.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Small-incision surgical procedures that improve aqueous drainage with a lower risk profile than traditional surgery. Can be performed alongside cataract surgery. Suitable for mild to moderate glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to raised pressure inside the eye. It often develops without symptoms until significant sight loss has occurred. Mr Sam Evans provides specialist private glaucoma assessment and management at Nuffield Health Plymouth and Mount Stuart Hospital, Torbay, including medical treatment, laser, and surgery.

Understanding glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In most cases, raised intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve—the connection between the eye and the brain. Peripheral vision is typically lost first, making it easy to miss without screening.

The key facts:

  • Often has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred
  • Cannot be reversed—but progression can be halted
  • Requires lifelong monitoring
  • Family history increases risk
  • More common over the age of 40
  • Detectable with regular eye tests

With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most patients maintain their vision throughout their life.

Types of glaucoma

Common presentations

Primary open-angle glaucoma

The most common type. Develops slowly and painlessly. IOP is usually raised but drainage angle appears open. Managed with drops, laser, or surgery.

Normal tension glaucoma

Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal IOP. Requires specialist assessment to identify and manage contributing factors.

Ocular hypertension

Raised IOP without current optic nerve damage. Requires regular monitoring and may be treated to reduce future risk.

Secondary and angle-closure glaucoma

Less common forms requiring specialist assessment and tailored management.

What to expect

Your patient journey

1

Referral or self-referral

Contact Devon Eyes directly or ask your optometrist to refer you. We accept both GP and optometrist referrals via Lutra Connect.

2

Specialist assessment

A comprehensive examination including visual fields, OCT imaging, and IOP measurement to establish your diagnosis and baseline.

3

Personalised treatment plan

Mr Evans will discuss your options — drops, laser, or surgery — and agree a plan that fits your diagnosis, targets, and lifestyle.

4

Ongoing monitoring

Glaucoma requires lifelong follow-up. We provide structured monitoring and adjust treatment as needed, with timely communication back to your optometrist and GP.

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually caused by raised pressure inside the eye. It often develops silently and peripheral vision is lost first. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but progression can be halted with treatment.

Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most patients preserve their sight for life. Treatment lowers eye pressure to stop further optic nerve damage. Regular monitoring is important throughout.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) uses a low-energy laser to stimulate the drainage pathway of the eye, improving outflow and lowering pressure. It takes about 5 minutes per eye, is performed in clinic, and requires no incisions. It can reduce reliance on eye drops and can be repeated.

A full assessment includes intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve examination, visual field testing, corneal thickness, and OCT imaging of the optic nerve. Mr Evans provides a complete specialist report and will explain any findings clearly.

Fees for glaucoma consultations, laser, and surgical procedures are available on request. Please contact Devon Eyes directly or speak to Vicki for a personalised fee quote. View our general fee guidance.

Get in touch

Book a glaucoma consultation

Private patients are typically seen within one week. No GP referral needed for self-pay. PMI accepted.

Request an appointment 01752 916 007