The centres will aim to detect sight problems early

The �4m programme will fund sites across England.

The centres, backed by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, will treat glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and low vision.

It is hoped that the centres will improve the early detection of these conditions, preventing avoidable blindness.

Eye centre locations Greater Peterborough Primary Care Partnership North Birmingham PCT East Devon PCT Barking and Dagenham PCT, Havering PCT Sutton & Merton PCT and Wandsworth PCT Gateshead PCT Brighton & Hove PCT Waltham Forest PCT

The high-tech sites will offer a link between high street and hospital eye care, and will offer training for optometrists so they can diagnose patients earlier, freeing up doctors to work on specialist areas.

A mobile eye care unit in East Devon will offer care to patients who are unable to travel for physical, mental, social, or financial reasons.

'Improved access'

Announcing the pilot sites at the Chronic Eye Disease Management in Community Settings conference in London, Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "This new �4million programme, developed by patients and professionals, is a significant step forward for people with chronic eye disease.

"It will improve patient choice and help to eliminate avoidable blindness through early diagnosis."

Anita Lightstone, head of eye health for the Royal National Institute of the Blind, added: "We are delighted that the Department of Health has acknowledged the importance of integrated patient-centred services and is improving access, choice, waiting times and quality for people using eye care services.

"We are particularly pleased with the publication of the first report of the National Eyecare Steering Group and the emphasis within this report on low vision.

"We also welcome the government's funding for the piloting of these new patient pathways and look forward to these services becoming readily available throughout the country."