Cirencester mayor Patrick Coleman, experienced the latest technology in eye testing when he visited a Cirencester opticians.

Specsavers on Cricklade Street, has invested in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan which can help detect treatable eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration sooner.

The scan, which only takes a few seconds, allows an optician to look deeper into the eyes than ever before.

Given that nearly half of all sight loss is preventable, an OCT scan means conditions can be managed before they get worse and can help prevent potential sight loss.

"We were delighted that the mayor was able to come and find out more about the OCT," said Cirencester Specsavers store director and optometrist, Simran Sangha.

"The investment we have made in this machine gives our team the ability to detect and manage conditions, with a level of diagnostic capability which previously would have needed a hospital visit."

Early detection means that treatment with prescribed eye drops, laser treatment or surgery can be started before you experience any significant sight loss — and an OCT scan is a key way to help detect any early changes.

A customer’s OCT images will be stored so that changes can be noted over time – a real benefit to the monitoring of someone’s overall eye health.

An OCT scan is in addition to a normal eye test (a cost of £10) and can be requested when you book an appointment or when you arrive in store.