✏️ I just want to see straight!
#eye-test — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #eye-test, aggregated by home.social.
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Swansea dad praises local opticians after life‑saving tumour diagnosis
Headaches led to urgent referral
Matthew Lewis, 47, a senior nurse at Morriston Hospital, had been suffering with persistent headaches when his wife noticed unusual changes in his behaviour last summer. Concerned, he booked an appointment at Specsavers Swansea in July 2024.
Optometrist Chinwendu Ojo carried out a comprehensive eye examination, including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which revealed a significant loss of vision in Mr Lewis’ left eye.
Within hours of being urgently referred to hospital, scans confirmed a glioblastoma – a fast‑growing cancerous brain tumour. He was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for emergency neurosurgery, which doctors say saved his life.
“She didn’t just save his sight – she saved his life”
Following surgery, consultants told the family that without intervention, Mr Lewis may have had only weeks to live.
His wife, Kate Lewis, said:
“Because of Chinwendu’s thorough testing and immediate referral into hospital, we’ve been given so much more precious time together as a family – time we very nearly missed out on. Chinwendu didn’t just save Matthew’s sight; she saved his life. We will forever be grateful to her and the Specsavers Swansea team.”
Living life to the fullest
Since surgery, Mr Lewis has undergone intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He remains positive and is currently cancer‑free, with regular scans every three months.
Doctors have explained that the cancer is likely to return, but the family are determined to make the most of every day.
Mrs Lewis added:
“It is extremely likely that Matthew’s cancer will return – it’s just a question of when, and how it can be treated when it does. We’re taking every day as it comes but concentrating on making as many special memories as possible. Over the past year, we’ve renewed our wedding vows, watched Matthew walk our daughter down the aisle, and enjoyed many holidays together as a family. We’re already planning our next trip.”
Importance of regular eye tests
Optometrist Chinwendu Ojo said the case highlights the importance of regular sight tests:
“Eye tests aren’t just about checking vision – they can reveal so much more about your overall health. That’s why it’s so important to have regular sight tests and seek professional advice if you notice unusual symptoms such as intense headaches or blurred vision. I’m so relieved we were able to pick up on Matthew’s vision loss and refer him quickly to ensure he got the urgent care he needed.”
Specsavers Swansea
Specsavers Swansea say they’re open seven days a week and also offer Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
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Swansea man helps shape research to prevent sight loss from diabetes
“Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable.” That’s the powerful message from a Swansea man living with type 1 diabetes, who is helping shape research that could transform eye care across Wales and beyond.
Paul’s lived experience drives research
Paul Coker, 53, has lived with diabetes since the age of five. Thanks to laser treatment, his vision has been preserved — but he knows many others are not so fortunate.
“It saddens me deeply that there are people out there whose eyesight is at risk because they’re on a waiting list to see a specialist,” he said. “If this study works, more people could get the care they need, when they need it.”
Tackling a growing health challenge
Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the leading causes of sight loss among working‑age adults in the UK. While modern treatments have reduced the risk, delays in accessing care still put thousands at risk.
Until recently, diabetes was the number one cause of sight loss in working‑age people. With cases of diabetes rising, the pressure on NHS eye services is only increasing.
An optician carries out an eye test using specialist equipment, highlighting the importance of regular eye checks to prevent sight loss.
(Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels.com)The AVENUE‑PDR study
Paul is now a public involvement member and co‑applicant in the AVENUE‑PDR study, led by Professor Steve Bain, Assistant Medical Director for Research & Development at Swansea Bay University Health Board and Specialty Lead for Diabetes at Health and Care Research Wales.
The study, funded by Health and Care Research Wales, is exploring whether trained eye care practitioners — not just consultants — can safely provide laser treatment for people with diabetes at risk of sight loss.
Professor Bain explained:
“There is a shortage of eye specialist consultants, not only in Wales and the UK, but throughout the world. This, in conjunction with increasing numbers of people living with diabetes, means that many people with sight‑threatening eye conditions cannot access timely laser therapy.”
If successful, the study could relieve bottlenecks in care, reduce waiting times, and prevent avoidable blindness.
A “win‑win‑win” for patients and the NHS
Paul believes the benefits are clear:
- Patients get timely treatment.
- The NHS eases pressure on overstretched services.
- Specialist doctors can focus on the most complex cases.
“I see only potential upsides,” he said. “Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable. It’s devastating not just for the individual, but for their families too.”
Looking ahead
Paul will begin a PhD at Swansea University in October, focusing on how the complications of diabetes are communicated in ways that are both empathetic and empowering.
For him, the message is simple: regular eye checks and timely access to treatment save sight.
National Eye Health Week
This story comes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 23–29 September, raising awareness of the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.
#diabetes #diabeticEyeCare #DiabeticRetinopathy #eyeTest #Health #HealthAndCareResearchWales #laserTreatment #Optician #sightLoss #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard #Type1Diabetes #Type2Diabetes
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try and keep track of the ball 👀 #DallasCowboys #NFL #football #game #eyetest #shorts https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ItF_YTWr6DA
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My eyesight test did not go as well as expected. The astigmatism in one eye has become much worse.
I need to go back in a year rather than two, and I also have a few other issues that may be 'normal/stable' and due to improved detection, but will need monitoring.
New lenses are going to be expensive.
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Trying to figure out why my left eye is all blurry 🤔 #EyeTest
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When you want your spouse to admire the stripes on the rug you made but they are kind of colour blind
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Went for an eye test recently. Time has come. Need glasses.
Optometrist asks if I spend much time in front of a computer. Boy, do I 😅
Suggested the 20-20-20 rule for reducing eye strain https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/information/home-working-looking-after-eyes
So I did what a professional yak shaver does and errm, built a little timer utility for 20-20-20 breaks.
Anyone fancy trying it out?
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Just got back from the #optician for my #EyeTest - this time they managed to do both contact lens checkup *and* eye test in the same appointment (rather than having to book two separate ones like in 2021). Paid £10 for scan where you look into this machine which scans your eye with laser matrix like in a sci-fi movie and takes 3d images - this didn't show up any bad stuff, and I am no more near-sighted than I was 2 years ago - my prescription has stayed constant and I am safe for driving >>
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I thought this comedy sketch had had its day, but since Cummings and the infamous eye-test are in the news again...
Here's me - and me - imagining if things had gone a step further...
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Time for a new eye test. But who will I go to for testing this time?
I keep going to Specsavers but I literally have to walk out after the test to stop being forced to choose their in-house offerings. Hmmm. They all withold that vital extra pupillary distance measurement as well. #EyeTest -
#EyeHealth #EyeTest #Health #Eyesight
Free WHO app allows one to assess one's vision for both close-up & distance viewing, providing crucial insights into potential vision issues:
https://coolblindtech.com/who-launches-the-whoeyes-app-on-world-sight-day/
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Please read the top line for me…
I went for an eye test, I've never had one before. It was better than going to the dentist.
Read More 👉https://piku.xyz/please-read-the-top-line-for-me/
#blog #EyeTest #Optician -
Pleased to have made it through an #EyeTest with little change to my #prescription and best of all still no sign of #cataracts or #glaucoma despite 26 years of permanent #steroids. Also relieved as someone severely #immunosuppressed that the #optician and other staff were wearing #masks thus protecting themselves and patients. #NHS #Eyes
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This has got to be one of Middleton's best games of the season. #eyetest
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Morikawa’s been so sloppy this week (not sure what the stats say, just relying up #eyetest) and is likely gonna finish only 2-3 back. The dome golfer is coming.
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