PEOPLE in Redbridge and Waltham Forest are less likely to lose their sight due to glaucoma than those in other London boroughs.

Newly released figures from Specsavers show that the average for preventable sight loss due to glaucoma in the borough is 11.5, 1.3 points below the UK average.

Rates for preventable sight loss due to glaucoma in Waltham Forest are also low, standing at 6.5.

Other east London boroughs have higher rates. Newham’s average of 16.9 and Barking and Dagenham’s average of 14.6 are both above the UK and London rates.

The borough with the worst rate in London is Hounslow, which is well above the average at 30.1. The London average is 13.4.

Specsavers and the International Glaucoma Association have trained opticians across the country to better advise people contending with the condition in preparation for World Glaucoma Week.

Staff have learned how to advise people to properly administer eye drops, which are crucial for fighting the disease.

Glaucoma is often symptomless in its early stages and is one of the leading causes of early sight loss, experts say.

Around 700,000 people in the UK are thought to have the condition.

World Glaucoma Week takes place from Sunday, March 11, to Sunday, March 18.