Specsavers saved my life

One such person was a woman from Portrush, who, thanks to an eye examination at Specsavers in Coleraine, is grateful to be alive.

The woman has been a customer with the store for more than ten years. Early last year she called in for a routine eye examination. She had been experiencing pressure behind the right eye since her last appointment and was attending a specialist, however nothing had been detected.

Optometrist, Jill Irwin, who has more than three years’ experience in eyecare, undertook the customer’s eye test. She used an ophthalmoscope to assess the health of the back of the woman’s eyes. This is an instrument that shines light through the pupil of the eye and illuminates the retina.

She then carried out a visual field test, which checks for optic nerve damage and blind spots at the back of the eye.

“I became concerned with the long standing pressure in the customer’s eye and felt it needed further examination. I wrote a referral letter and advised that she to speak with her GP”, says Miss Irwin.

The woman’s GP then referred her on to the Ballykelly Hospital, where she underwent a series of tests and scans to assess the problem.

Following a CT scan and examination by a neurologist, she was diagnosed with a pituitary gland adenoma. She was then transferred urgently to the Royal Victoria Hospital for surgery to relieve the pressure.

Since the surgery, the customer is being continually reviewed by a specialist and is undergoing hydrocortisone treatment.

The woman told the Times: ‘I was utterly shocked at the severity of my condition and that a simple eye test was able to detect such a serious problem.

“I owe my life to the professional, swift action of Miss Irwin and the team at Specsavers in Coleraine. I am now on my way to making a full recovery.”

Store director Judith Ball adds: “This case, although rare, only reiterates Specsavers’ advice that people should have their eyes tested at least every two years.

“Not only does an eye examination monitor your sight, it can also detect diseases like high blood pressure, glaucoma and diabetes. The main learning from this experience is that eye tests are essential - for both your sight and general health.’

The woman added: “I strongly support the need for regular eye examinations. You just don’t know how serious underlying conditions can be. I now encourage all my family and friends to get their eyes tested every year and that way they can keep on top of both their eyesight and health.”