Lifesavers: Trip to Specsavers by Solihull woman uncovers tumour - The Solihull Observer

Lifesavers: Trip to Specsavers by Solihull woman uncovers tumour

Solihull Editorial 3rd Dec, 2020   0

AFTER experiencing changes in her vision, a Chelmsley Wood resident visited her local Specsavers for what transpired to be a potentially lifesaving eye test.

Susan Hetherington, had noticed a deterioration in her eyesight, especially while driving, as well as experiencing dizzy spells and flashing lights in her vision.

Concerned, she made an appointment online for an eye examination at Specsavers on Greenwood Square.

After a full eye examination, which included taking a picture of the back of her eyes using digital retinal photography, optometrist, Lucy Wilson, said that Susan’s prescription had indeed changed but more concerningly, they had spotted an anomaly on her right optic nerve.




Susan was referred to the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre for further tests, and after walking into the hospital the day after her eye examination, Susan left ten days later.

“They sent me for a CT scan at Birmingham City Hospital in the early hours of the morning. At around 3am they woke me to explain that they had found a mass on the scan that needed further examination,” she said.


“From here I saw neurologists at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham as I’d been diagnosed with a meningioma, a tumour that forms on membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord just inside the skull.”

The tumour was causing pressure and damage to her optic nerve and was sat on a cerebral artery, putting her at risk of a stroke.

After more scans it was decided to operate and remove the tumour.

“It was hard waiting for the surgery, I had a lot of scans and still suffered with headaches,” said Susan.

“I didn’t realise that Specsavers would be able to pick something like this up with a simple eye test. If I hadn’t booked that appointment online, I never would have known.”

Luckily the specialists said the tumour had been caught early.

“I’m so grateful to Lucy at Specsavers for spotting this and making the referral, which is why I wanted to share my story and remind people to make that appointment for an eye test,” said Susan.

“Even if nothing has changed with your vision, they check more than just your prescription.”

For more information or to make an appointment at Specsavers Chelmsley Wood, call 0121 329 5510 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/chelmsleywood

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