A veteran who is blind in one eye is urging others to get their eyes tested and seek help before it is too late.

Glen Petrie, was diagnosed with glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, in 2000.

The 83-year-old, of East Finchley, was left with only five per cent vision and is now urging other servicemen affected by the condition to seek support from Blind Veterans UK as part of Eye Health Week 2014.

Mr Petrie said: “The help that I’ve received from Blind Veterans UK has been truly amazing. When I first went to Blind Veterans UK’s introduction week I was struck by the high standards and support I received from the staff to enable me to live more independently.

“They suggested that I try archery and bowls and I thought that was completely ridiculous given my sight, but they showed me I could still do it."

Mr Petrie served the Royal Army Educational Corps in Malaya in 1949 and was then transferred to an infantry regiment.

The father of four and grandfather of eight, is now a professional writer who has published 12 novels, two biographies and a children's book.

He explained how important his vision was, and what the charity had done to restore a level of normality to his life.

Mr Petrie said: “As a writer, being able to read is incredibly important to me and the charity has given me a machine that scans and reads books, so I don’t miss out.

“I’m also booked on to a week’s course to learn IT skills and how to touch-type, which I’m really looking forward to. It means I can be more independent with my writing.”

Eye Health Week 2014, which runs from September 22 to 29, aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular sight tests.

Blind Veterans UK already supports more than 5,000 people, there are still more than 68,000 vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women who could be eligible for help.

For more information visit www.noonealone.org.uk or call 0800 389 7979.