AN EVESHAM pensioner has warned residents never to ignore problems with their sight after quick thinking advice from a local opticians led to a potentially life-saving diagnosis.
Dudley Mitchell, 78, was looking forward to a Sunday out with his grandson when the vision in his right eye momentarily disappeared. Shaken by the ordeal, his wife advised him to visit Specsavers on Bridge Street.
Optometrist Sajeev Sharma said he needed to go to hospital immediately and called the eye hospital in Birmingham ahead with notes about Mr Mitchell’s symptoms.
After a series of tests, doctors suspected the 78-year-old had suffered from a series of mini strokes, but further investigation was needed to understand the cause.
“It was quite surreal, one moment we were in M&S buying food for a picnic with our grandson and the next the vision in my right eye completely went,” he said.
“I wasn’t sure what to do, but my wife told me to go and I’m so pleased I did.
“Once at the hospital, the doctors explained I had suffered from a series of mini strokes. I was referred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital the following Tuesday, where they found that my right carotid artery was 80 per cent blocked and I was booked in for surgery that Friday.
“The operation was a success and I’m feeling lucky to have walked out the other side with a smile on my face.
“I’m grateful to Sajeev for his advice, without which I may not have sought the immediate medical attention I needed.
“It just goes to show you should never ignore any symptoms, especially with your eyes and sight, as they can tell so much about your overall health than just how good your vision is,” he added.
Research published by Specsavers and charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), shows one in five people will live with sight loss in their lifetime despite at least half of all cases being avoidable.
The statistics also show that 300 people in the UK start living with sight loss every day.
“We’re really pleased to hear Dudley is on the road to recovery and that his condition was picked up before it caused more harm,” Mr Sharma said.
“From his symptoms, I knew he needed to seek immediate medical attention. Losing your sight, even if only temporarily, is usually a sign of something quite serious.
“I’m really pleased we were able to provide advice – I even called the hospital myself to ensure Dudley would be seen as soon as possible,” he added.
