An Abu Dhabi-based hospital said yesterday it will offer free glaucoma check-ups to the public from tomorrow to mark the glaucoma awareness month in the United States.

The Ahalia Hospital said its Department of Ophthalmology will provide the service between January 25-29 but has urged the public to call 6262666 (extension 305) for an appointment.

It said the service will also include awareness lessons on the disease. "The hospital wants to help people with glaucoma and their families better understand the disease.

"Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the eye's optic nerve and result in blindness. Anyone can have it but certain groups are at higher risk than others."

It recommended that people at high risk should go for a complete eye examination including eye dilation, every one to two years.