A Stafford opticians is to be the first in the county to use new technology which could help save clients’ eyesight by spotting the early signs of the most common cause of blindness.

Mincher-Lockett Opticians in Stafford Street is pioneering a form of eye screening for patients using a machine called the Mpod. The service will help to spot the onset of failing sight in patients earlier than is possible at the moment, meaning the condition can be controlled more effectively.

The independent opticians has invested more than £7,000 in the new machinery to provide the screening.

It is the latest stage in a comprehensive programme of investment at the practice which has involved buying a range of new equipment over the last two years. Practice owners Jan Goodwin and Sarah Edge began the investment after taking over the opticians two years ago from the Mincher-Lockett family, who started the business.

The independent opticians is due to celebrate 40 years of business in Stafford next year.

“It’s great to be the first opticians in Staffordshire to provide this screening using the Mpod because it could potentially save the sight of some of our patients,” said Jan Goodwin, who is also an optometrist at the practice.

“This is part of our commitment to update the service we provide with the latest advances in technology so that we’re able to offer our patients the best possible treatment. It’s an important part of our expanding service,” said Jan. “It gives us more knowledge about the state of a patient’s eyes than was previously possible, meaning we can take more effective action sooner.”

The Mpod will test for a loss of pigment in cells in the macular area of the eye at the centre of the retina, which is used to see virtually all objects in detail.

The test involves patients detecting when a light begins to flicker, which indicates the level of sensitivity and effectiveness of the macular.

People with low levels of macular pigment are more at risk of developing macular degeneration, the most common cause of failing eyesight and blindness in the UK.

The opticians will be recommending people have screening as part of their regular eye check.