With the arrival of World Glaucoma Week (8-15 March 2015), Vision Express is highlighting the importance of having regular eye tests, as the only proven method to detect the sight-threatening condition.

Risk of glaucoma is particularly high for those aged over 60, anyone with a family history of the condition, and people of African-Caribbean origin. Yet, staggeringly, 72% of people in the 'at risk' group are unaware of the threat. Furthermore, despite glaucoma being hereditary, 31% of people don't realise there is a family link.

As a partner of the International Glaucoma Association, Vision Express is helping raise awareness of the condition and drive early detection, by encouraging the public to have an eye test at least once every two years.

Omar Hassan, head of professional services at Vision Express explains: “Glaucoma is one of the biggest causes of blindness, despite over 50% of sight loss being preventable. With 86% of adults valuing their sight more than any other sense, we hope anyone who may have missed a regular appointment will take World Glaucoma Week as a timely reminder to head to the optician.

“Initially glaucoma is typically symptomless, yet it can be treated if caught early. The problem is that as a 'silent', degenerative condition, it is often not identified until the damage has been done.”

For one man from Birmingham, a routine eye exam at his local Vision Express detected glaucoma. Graham Cole, aged 65 from Harborne, began experiencing headaches, which he attributed to lots of time in front of a computer. After a visit to Vision Express Harborne, the optometrist treating Graham suspected glaucoma and in line with professional guidelines, advised him to seek immediate medical attention. Following a referral to the eye department of the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham, Graham was diagnosed with the condition.

The ex-Royal Navy diver manages it with daily drops and regular hospital check-ups. Thanks to the detection by Vision Express, Graham continues to lead an active lifestyle, regularly swimming and cycling.

He said: “Thanks to the diligence of Vision Express Harborne I can now manage my glaucoma and continue to lead the active and academic lifestyle I always have. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and really went out of their way to help, for which I am very grateful. My advice to anyone is to visit an optician such as Vision Express to get your eyes checked regularly.”

The partnership between Vision Express and the International Glaucoma Association will provide specialist training for optometrists in how to detect, manage and advise customers who present symptoms of glaucoma, in addition to improved signposting to help customers access support and advice.

Russell Young, CEO International Glaucoma Association commented: “We are delighted to partner with Vision Express to raise awareness of glaucoma. With an estimated 300,000 people living with undetected glaucoma in the UK today, it is vital that we do more to reach at risk groups including anyone over the age of 40, close blood relatives of people with glaucoma and African Caribbbeans. With stores throughout the country, and a concerted effort to reach groups who are greater risk, we hope that more and more people will book an eye health check as a matter of urgency.”

Vision Express offers an eye test to best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists (COO), with each Vision Express optometrist being a qualified eye health professional. To find your nearest Vision Express store and make an eye test appointment visit: http://www.visionexpress.com/opticians/