Photo: Supplied
It's estimated 65,000 New Zealand are already living with the eye disease glaucoma, but are totally unaware.
Early stage glaucoma has no symptoms until damage has already been caused.
But if caught early it can be treated and prevent future blindness.
Up until now the disease was picked up through eye health tests, such as those done at the optometrist, but now anyone who has glaucoma in the family, or is worried, can pay for a genetic test to check their pre-disposition to the disease.
In addition, new research is indicating how a healthy lifestyle and controlling high blood pressure can also help with prevention.
Kathryn is joined by Estelle Powell who has glaucoma and Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer a specialist surgeon and a leading authority on the disease.
