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Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness but, when detected early, can be treated to prevent further sight loss.

Unfortunately, most people don't know they have glaucoma, says QUT School of Optometry and Vision Science head Associate Professor Peter Hendicott.

"Glaucoma is usually discovered during a regular eye examination," he said.

"It usually causes no visual symptoms, so regular eye examinations are important for early detection. In 2012, the QUT Optometry Clinic had more than 160 patients who suffered from glaucoma or are considered a glaucoma suspect."

QUT Health Clinics manager Allison Vautin said Glaucoma Week, which begins on March 10, is an opportunity to be aware of the need for regular eye tests and have one done if it has been more than two years since your last optometry examination or if you have any concerns about your vision.

"The QUT Optometry Clinic on the Kelvin Grove campus routinely offers all the specialised tests that detect glaucoma and other eye conditions early. These include retinal scans, visual field analysis, ocular photography and retinal and anterior eye imaging and analysis," she said.

"Students from QUT School of Optometry and Vision Science conduct the tests, fully supervised by experienced optometrists. All tests are conducted with no out-of-pocket expense for our patients. "

The Optometry Clinic is part of QUT Health Clinics, state-of-the-art clinical education facilities open to the public. They include a specialised Vision Rehabilitation Centre that provides comprehensive service to visually impaired people including occupational therapy and social work.

The QUT Health Clinics provide complete eye examinations including advanced technology for detecting eye diseases, and also a dispensing service for our patients providing spectacles, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses and other optical aids.

For more information contact the QUT Health Clinics on 3138 9777 or visit www.healthclinics.qut.edu.au.

Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.