‘My optometrist saved my life’ – eye exam spots brain tumour which could have killed young mum

Lucie Heath, of Kinnaird Way in Woodford Green, had been suffering from headaches that had got progressively worse despite taking paracetamol. Visits to her normal opticians had failed to give an answer and her symptoms continued to get more extreme.

Feeling as though she was having a stroke, Lucie visited Aves Optometrists in Epping, where she underwent multiple examinations including a visual field test to check her peripheral vision.

Optometrist Zahir-Ally Kanji spotted something unusual and, having sought advice from an ophthalmologist, immediately referred Lucie to Queen’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“I’m normally quite a calm person” said Lucie, “but the seriousness of what was happening quickly hit me. Within days I had lost my speech. Nobody was prepared for this. What had been a slight headache had progressed so quickly into something that was putting my life at risk.

“Thankfully I was in good hands and I was operated on almost immediately to remove the tumour. If it wasn’t for Zahir carrying out a thorough examination of my eyes I probably wouldn’t be here today, I owe him my life.

“The whole episode has shown me the importance of looking after your vision. Your eyes really are a window into your wider health and I would urge anyone who is experiencing problems with their sight to visit their local independent optometrist and get it checked out.”

Aves Optometrists is an independent practice based in High Street, Epping.

Optometric director Zahir-Ally Kanji said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that our actions have made such a difference to someone’s life. These are the appointments you remember and it’s why we go into the profession. I’m delighted that Lucie is able to carry on living her life with the best possible vision to enjoy seeing her family grow up.

“This case really highlights the importance of regular eye examinations, as the sooner an eye condition is found, the sooner we can refer for treatment and give support where needed. Some conditions are asymptomatic, so without routine tests, there's a risk a problem may not be spotted."

For more information about Aves Optometrists, visit: https://www.avesonline.co.uk/