Brooks experiences revolutionary new sight screening technology that could save constituents' sight

To mark World Glaucoma Day on Thursday 12th March, Brooks Newmark joined RNIB and researchers from Moorfield's Eye Hospitalat a parliamentary reception where exciting new technology was revealed.To mark World Glaucoma Day on Thursday 12th March, local MP Brooks Newmark joined RNIB and researchers from Moorfield's Eye Hospital in London at a parliamentary reception where exciting new technology under development was revealed that will improve access to potentially sight saving tests for glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. However, with over 67 million glaucoma sufferers estimated in the world, over 50% are undiagnosed, rising to 90% in the developing world. In the UK, 500,000 people are affected, but half are not receiving treatment because they are unaware they have the disease.

The new test is designed to be effective, affordable and accessible to all, with the overall objective of improving global glaucoma detection. The test software can currently run on a standard PC or laptop, but it is hoped that eventually it will also be made available online, enabling clinicians from all over the world, including those in developing countries, to use it.

Brooks said, "I urge local people to have an eye test and ensure they are not one of the quarter of a million people in the UK with undiagnosed glaucoma. Without an eye test you simply won't find out until it's too late. Glaucoma doesn't have any symptoms in its early stages, meaning you can lose up to 40% of your sight before realising anything is wrong."

Steve Winyard, RNIB's Head of Campaigns and Chair of the Glaucoma Alliance UK, said: "If caught early enough glaucoma can in nearly all cases be successfully treated and no sight need be lost. A regular simple eye test can pick up glaucoma in its early stages before you know that anything is wrong. That's why, alongside all the other organisations in the Glaucoma Alliance, we are encouraging everyone to book an eye test."

Many people are entitled to receive free eye tests, including those with diabetes, those aged 60 or over, those aged over 40 with a close relative with Glaucoma, or if they or their partner receive benefits, family credit or pension credit.For more information about glaucoma visit www.rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. For more information about World Glaucoma Day go to http://www.wgday.net/index.php

Photo: Brooks Newmark joins RNIB and researchers from Moorfield's Eye Hospital in London at a parliamentary reception.