A Caerphilly man discovered he had a large brain tumour after a regular check up at his opticians.
Leslie Digby, 62, went for an eye test at his local Specsavers in Caerphilly in June last year with no symptoms or complaints, only for his optician Geraint Jones to notice his side vision was obscured.
Geraint referred him to Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, where three scans later he was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour.
Now Leslie wants to thank his optician for spotting the early signs of his tumour and referring him to the right professionals.
He said: “I had not been suffering from any headaches or blurred vision and so was quite surprised when Geraint spotted something was wrong.
“I hadn’t noticed my vision had deteriorated that much until Geraint pointed it out, as it was something that had happened over time rather than a sudden change. I had a number of further tests which established that it was in fact a tumour that was causing the problem.”
The benign tumour was pressing on his optic nerve and after undergoing four hours of surgery he has a final appointment in July to give him the all clear.
Leslie added: “I noticed a difference in my eyesight very soon after the operation, though it will take time for my eyes to fully adjust.
“I am very grateful to Geraint as without his intervention I may not have realised there was a problem until it was too late.”
Opthalmic director Geraint Jones said: “Leslie’s case shows the vital importance of regular eye tests, not just to ensure your prescription is up to date, but also to pick up on any more serious health problems.
“In general, we recommend that adults have their eyes tested every two years.
“In some cases this should be more regular, and your optometrist will be able to advise you on whether you need your eyes examined more frequently.
“I am delighted that Leslie is on the road to recovery and very pleased to have been able to step in and stop his condition from becoming any worse.
“I hope that his story encourages others to make sure you don’t miss your regular check-up.”
I should get my eyes tested. I have never had them tested. I haven’t noticed my vision failing yet neither have I felt the need for glasses but you never know, maybe I do need them. I’ll make an appointment (although I do feel I’m falling for a marketing scam as opticians want more customers)