MONDAY is the start of World Glaucoma Week and Specsavers staff have up-skilled to better support customers with the condition.

Often symptomless in its early stages, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss.

It is thought to affect 700,000 people in the UK today but as many as half of cases are undiagnosed.

In conjunction with the International Glaucoma Association, Specsavers has developed training for its retail teams to assist sufferers with their treatment.

Specifically, they will be advising on how to effectively administer eye drops, which are crucial for managing the condition.

Charles Forshaw, store director at Specsavers Hove, said: “We are very proud to be involved in supporting the International Glaucoma Association.

“Being able to better support our customers with glaucoma is a really positive development for our store.

“Our store is such a big part of the community so it is really important to us that we can provide the very best service to our customers - and support people with glaucoma in the most effective way possible.”

The training is being rolled out across Specsavers stores nationwide.

Karen Osborn, chief executive of IGA, says: ‘The majority of people who are diagnosed early with glaucoma will retain useful sight for life.

“Most will be treated with medical eye drops.

“Unfortunately we know from calls to our helpline that many people aren’t told about how to put drops in the eye correctly, or aren’t advised about the aids that are available to help them.

“We are delighted to work with Specsavers on this often over-looked aspect of glaucoma management.”

Although any vision which has been lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with early diagnosis, careful monitoring and regular use of treatments, the vast majority of people retain useful sight for life.

Have your eyes checked is the message from the IGA.