Mark joined RNIB and researchers from London's Moorfield’s Eye Hospital at a demonstration of exciting new technology under development that will improve access to potentially sight saving tests for glaucoma.

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

The aim of this new test is to improve global glaucoma detection. Designed to be effective, affordable and accessible to all, the test software in development will run on a standard PC or laptop.  Eventually, it is hoped that it will also be made available online, enabling clinicians from all over the world, including those in developing countries, to use it.

Mark said "I have a family history of glaucoma, so I know how important it is that local people 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 won't find out until it's too late, as Glaucoma doesn't have any symptoms in its early stages and 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."

In Scotland, the previous Labour-led Scottish Government introduced free eye tests in 2006. If you are under 16 or 60 or over, you are eligible for a free eye test every year and if you are between 16 and 59 you can have a free eye test every two years. If you have a problem like glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma, you can have a free test every year.

For more information about glaucoma, visit www.rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.