A TEAM of Okehampton optometrists have been nominated for a national award to recognise the work they do for people with macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

Optometrists at Specsavers in Okehampton have been recommended for the award because their advanced imaging equipment allows them to check for changes to the back of the eye, potentially even before the patient has noticed any symptoms.

The quick, painless procedure photographs and takes cross sectional 3D images of the back of the eye, and is carried out as part of the sight test for every patient. It is free of charge — Specsavers say they know of no other opticians in Devon or Cornwall who currently provide this service.

The technique, known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is able to detect abnormalities that could otherwise be overlooked in a normal eye test.

Ian Wills from Specsavers in Okehampton said: 'As the first port of call for a patient experiencing visual problems is often their optometrist, our use of OCT can significantly improve the chance of successful treatment for 'wet' Age Related Macular Degeneration, since we can refer the patient accurately and promptly to a macular specialist in hospital.

'Since using the OCT every day, we have also discovered that many patients who attend for a routine eye examination have significant intra-retinal fluid in the macular region and who have not developed visual symptoms, but who can benefit from an eye specialist's assessment and monitoring for early treatment.

'We believe the routine use of OCT in our practice will increase public awareness of macular disease and has lead to an increase in prompt referrals for patients with macular problems.'

The awards scheme is the first to be run by the national Macular Disease Society, which supports people with MD, the most common form of blindness in the industrialised world.

More than half a million people are thought to be affected by MD in the UK, most of them over the age of 65. MD destroys a person's central vision meaning they cannot drive, read or recognise faces.

The Macular Disease Society's chief executive, Tom Bremridge, said: 'Macular Disease can be a frightening and disabling condition but often patients with MD are able to enjoy life and make the best of their vision because of the wonderful work so many people do.

'There are doctors, nurses, eye clinic staff, optometrists, rehabilitation workers, fundraisers and volunteers to whom we want to say thank you.

'These awards are to recognise the excellent work which goes on and I am delighted that Specsavers in Okehampton has been nominated.'

The winners will receive their awards at the Society's conference in London on Saturday with presentations being made by the BBC's disability affairs correspondent and presenter of the Radio 4 In touch programme, Peter White.