The life-saving potential of regular eye tests has been highlighted after a 32-year-old man’s brain tumour was spotted by his optician.
Sean Lowe had been suffering headaches for months before his manager at work suggested he go for a sight test.
Sean immediately visited the Specsavers Sainsburys store in Barnstaple and underwent various eye tests, including an OCT scan, which enables opticians to look deep into the eye, with the potential to detect conditions years in advance.
The optician, Amandeep Sandhu, saw a dangerous amount of pressure on Sean’s optic nerve, so he referred him as an emergency to North Devon District Hospital’s eye service.
Sean, who lives in Fremington with his wife and two-year-old son, says: ‘I was shocked by what Mr Sandhu was saying, but he was really helpful and clear when he explained to me what was happening, and he said it was important that we were sure about the source of the problem.
‘North Devon District Hospital did more tests and an MRI scan. I then went home, but within about half an hour they called me to say they wanted me back.
‘There was a mass pressing against my optic nerve. It was a cystic tumour, which is a non-cancerous sack of liquid – and I was blue-lighted down to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where I had brain surgery to drain off some of the liquid and remove the tumour.
‘Apparently, if the tumour had increased, it would’ve killed me. The rest of the liquid should now drain away of its own accord, and I’m still undergoing MRI scans every three months to keep a check on things.’
Sean said that because he is young, exercises regularly and his vision had been fine, the diagnosis came as a complete shock to him.
He adds: ‘Within four days I suddenly had to come to terms with the fact that I had a brain tumour, and I suppose I still haven’t fully come to terms with it.
‘It’s been a really bad experience for me and my family, but I’m so grateful to Specsavers for their skills, care and professionalism.
‘I did go back to see Mr Sandhu afterwards to thank him and to tell him about what had happened. He was really pleased for me.
‘There are people who might ignore these sort of symptoms, so they won’t be picked up until it’s too late. That’s why regular eye tests are so important.
‘It’s about so much more than a new pair of glasses. Opticians can find all sorts of conditions. The cost of an eye test is cheap if it saves your life.’
Mr Sandhu says that Sean’s case highlights the critical importance of regular eye examinations, not just when symptoms arise but as part of routine health care.
He adds: ‘Modern technology such as OCT, which was once available only in hospitals, allows opticians practices to detect and monitor issues with a great deal of accuracy.
‘This not only helps us identify potential problems early, even in asymptomatic patients, but it also ensures more accurate referrals when further investigation is needed.
‘I strongly advocate for regular sight tests every two years, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. With the optical industry constantly evolving and introducing new technology, we are now able to deliver an enhanced level of service like never before.
‘It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients like Sean, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the remarkable technology now available in their local practices.
‘I have remained in contact with Sean, who has made a great recovery, and I wish him all the very best for the future. His story highlights the life-changing potential of proactive eyecare.’
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