Visit to the optician was a life saver

A routine visit to the optician turned into a life-saving experience for a Spalding woman after a tumour was found pushing on her retina.

Georgina Harrison (53) had visited Molsom & Associates in Hall Place after experiencing problems with her vision.

After carrying out an eye examination, concerned optometrist Ian Price advised Georgina to undergo a retinal scan of her right eye within the practice. The shocking discovery led him to refer her immediately to the Royal Eye hospital in Boston.

This led to a visit to the Royal Hallamshire Eye Hospital in Sheffield, where she was diagnosed with a very rare, and life threatening, malignant tumour which can metastasise and spread to the liver, lungs and bones via the bloodstream.

Georgina said: "I'd been experiencing difficulties using the electronic till and spotting stock at work. I also found it difficult to read music, books and to do crochet and close work at times. I also felt my eyes took a while to get going in the morning.

“I would like to thank Molsom and Associates for saving my life... sounds dramatic but it is true.”

Less than two months after her eye exam at Molsom & Associates, Georgina was undergoing eye surgery using Proton Beam therapy which enabled the tumour to be targeted precisely, reducing the risk of tumour cells surviving the radiotherapy treatment.

“Although I have lost a lot of vision, due to the tumour and the treatment, in my right eye my peripheral vision is still spot on. I’ve recently been back to Molsom and Associates and I have ordered some varifocals. I’m really looking forward to reading a book or two very shortly. I urge everyone to attend regular eye tests."

Optometrist Ian said: "This is a rare occurrence but I am so thankful that Georgina came to to see us when she did. As part of an eye examination, opticians can pick up many general health problems as well as eye disorders, and like all health issues the sooner these are seen - the better the prognosis. Any optician can see these tumours, so although I was just doing my job, I am proud to have helped Georgina”.