Traditional Chinese medicine, health beliefs and glaucoma awareness: implications for UK practice

Changes in the UK population have heightened the need for the provision of culturally competent care. Recent population estimates suggest China provides the most migrants to the UK. This and the reported high incidence of glaucoma in the Chinese population signify the need for practitioners to be culturally aware of the health needs of this patient group. This article reviews the prevalence of glaucoma and the influence of traditional Chinese medicine on the health beliefs of the Chinese population living in the UK, and discusses how cultural awareness can facilitate the provision of culturally centred, individualised patient care.