YATES and Suddell opticians who have invested in excess of £21,000 in revolutionary new eye testing equipment to further improve the quality of patient care at their Bury practice.

Traditionally, opticians examine the inside of the eye using a device called an opthalmoscope to check for and monitor any health problems such as glaucoma and diabetes.

Owner Stuart Goodman is the first optician in Bury to buy the digital retinal camera.

"The retinal camera is one of the most technologically advanced eye examination devices available. It works a bit like a powerful digital camera taking detailed and full colour pictures of the back of the eye," said Mr Goodman, who also runs practices in Ramsbottom and Walkden.

"The photographic image helps us spot abnormalities enabling an earlier diagnosis, which is good news for the patient because many eye conditions can be treated without loss of vision if detected early enough."

Typical NHS eye examinations don't cover the costs of retinal photography so patients will be charged a small fee for the service.