Eye-test could have stopped me going blind at 39

a man who went blind in his thirties is urging people to get regular eye checks after it emerged his sight could have been saved had he been diagnosed earlier.

Barrington Chambers, from Bristol, has been forced to give up his job after being registered blind.

The former engineer suffers with glaucoma but was misdiagnosed while living abroad. On his return to the UK, the disease was in the advanced stages and there was nothing doctors could do to save his sight.

Mr Chambers, 39, is now urging people to have regular eye tests to safeguard their sight.

Speaking during Eye Health Week, Mr Chambers said: "I went for an eye test because I noticed a problem with my vision and I had terrible headaches.

I had no idea I had glaucoma or was at a higher risk of getting it. Unfortunately it was detected too late.

"I've lost my sight and it's been really difficult to adjust. I had to give up my job because of my failing eyesight.

"All my cousins go for eye tests now and I tell everyone to do the same."

Mr Chambers, who worked as an engineer for 13 years, is just one of many people in the West who have lost their sight after failing to protect themselves fully against conditions which lead to blindness.

Figures show up to two million people in the UK have sight loss – about half of which could have been avoided.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched a campaign to encourage more people to get their eyes tested regularly.

RNIB optometrist Sonal Rughani said: "Your eyes might look great and your eyesight might be fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy.

"Some sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma have no symptoms in the early stages and can only be picked up through an eye test – yet many of us don't have regular check-ups.

"An eye test isn't just about getting glasses – think of it as an MoT for your eyes that could end up saving your sight."

The RNIB has come up with a list of steps people can take to safeguard their sight with the most important point having regular eye check-ups.

A spokesman for the RNIB said: "Your eyes might look great and your eyesight might be fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean your eyes are healthy.

"Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to lose up to 40 per cent of your sight before you notice a difference. An eye test could pick up on these conditions and save your sight."

Experts also advise people to stop smoking as it increases the chances of developing AMD in later life, which can lead to total blindness.

Another tip if to eat healthy food such as leafy green vegetables, which can protect against cataracts.