OPTICIANS in Bolton are being sent videos illustrating an unusual and potentially fatal muscle disease amid fears that the illness is not being spotted early enough.

The Bolton Myasthenia Gravis support branch is concerned that opticians may not be aware of the early symptoms such as double vision and drooping eyelids.

The disease has no known cure and can be fatal.

Former world snooker champion John Spencer, who lives in Radcliffe, was struck down with the disease and was forced to retire.

More than one in 10,000 people suffer from the condition -- with many not aware that they have the disease.

Secretary of the Bolton branch, Tony Davies, of Ladybridge, said: "Although we would like eventually to send these videos to all the GPs in the area, we decided to target opticians first as one of the early stages of the disease affects the eyes with double vision and drooping eyelids. Sometimes they close completely.

"The well-trained optician can be the first to identify MG and set them on the road to treatment via the correct channels.

"Quicker diagnosis leads to vast improvments in sufferers' lives."

The charity is looking for funding from local firms in order to widen the distribution of the videos.

Volunteers are also being asked to take part in sponsored abseils at Manchester Town Hall on May 11 and 12.

More than 150 people from across the region are expected to take part with cash going to local sufferers.

Anyone who would like a free information pack, should contact 01457 76 6410.