Regular eye tests are very important in helping to prevent glaucoma.

You are entitled to a free NHS eye test if you are over 40 years old and have a first-degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with glaucoma.

You may also be entitled to a free NHS eye test if:

• an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) thinks that you are at risk of developing glaucoma
• you are over 60 years old

See NHS eye care services for more information about opticians.

Your optometrist (a healthcare professional who tests sight and examines eyes) will usually talk you through each part of the eye test so that you know what they are testing for. When having a sight test, you should inform the optometrist if glaucoma runs in your family.

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye disease and its treatment or surgery. They mainly work in hospitals and hospital eye departments.

Optometrist

An optometrist (ophthalmic optician) examines eyes and tests sight. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and are trained to recognise sight defects and eye diseases.