Patients with glaucoma who miss appointments are more likely to face socioeconomic disadvantage, be Black, and have other medical or mental health conditions, according to a study that highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve follow-up and prevent vision loss.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Vision Institute retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with glaucoma over a year, classifying them as “no-shows” (NS) if they missed any scheduled glaucoma visits. Among the 35 patients in the NS group, higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage, measured by the Area Deprivation Index, were noted compared to those who consistently attended appointments. In addition, NS patients were more likely to be Black, have other medical conditions, and carry a mental health diagnosis.
The study found no significant differences between the groups in terms of insurance type, glaucoma subtype, eye pressure, or visual acuity. The authors stress that identifying patients at higher risk of missing appointments could guide efforts to improve adherence and prevent irreversible vision loss.
Reference
Rosen S, Cassidy J, Liang HW, et al. Patient Characteristics Are Associated with Appointment “No-Show” at a Tertiary Academic Glaucoma Service: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biomed Hub. 2025;10(1):86-92. doi: 10.1159/000545307. PMID: 40308311; PMCID: PMC12043280.
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