Health
Huntingdon’s woman’s eyesight, and possible life, saved by a phone call
A phone call led to a woman’s eyesight and possibly even her life being saved.
Doris Phillips, started to experience temporary vision loss in her right eye, prompting her to call her local Specsavers store in Huntingdon.
After a few questions over the phone and listening to Doris describe her symptoms, resident optometrist Zuher Gulamhusein, suspected she might have giant cell arteritis and had possibly suffered a ‘mini stroke’.
He insisted that she go to A&E as soon as possible for further investigation.
After waiting in A&E, Doris was finally seen but received no treatment, so when Zuher called her the next morning to check how she was doing, he enlisted the help of Doris’ local GP.
Within an hour, Doris was sent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further tests, including an MRI scan.
Doris Phillips with optometrist Zuher Gulamhusein of Specsavers, Huntingdon.
Here it was confirmed she had giant cell arteritis, but the results also showed Doris had suffered a stroke and had a benign tumour on her brain.
“After my losing sight twice in two days I was very concerned,” says Doris, who has been a Specsavers customer for eight years.
“Thankfully, Zuher and the team were very professional and helped me stay at ease over the phone.
“After insisting I go to A&E, Zuher stayed connected with me to make sure I got the help I needed. He even rang my doctor to make sure I was getting all the help I needed.
“Because of Zuher, I have been receiving regular treatment and medication, as well as hospital visits for a biopsy of the temporal artery.
“All of this was possible because I phoned Mr Zuher for advice. I cannot thank you enough for saving my life!”
Zuher, optometry director at Specsavers Huntingdon, says: “I am so glad that we were able to help ensure Doris’ conditions were treated quickly before it became a detriment to her eyesight and general health.
“With Giant Cell Arteritis, it can be easy to dismiss the symptoms of fever, jaw pain, and headaches as nothing.
“This, however, can lead to profoundly serious problems such as sight loss, so regular eye exams will save your time, energy, sight and even your life.
“Cases like Doris’ demonstrate the importance of getting regular eye tests and I would advise anyone who has noticed changes with their vision to speak to their local optician.”
For more information or to book a sight or hearing test, call Specsavers Huntingdon on 01480 457800 or go to
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/huntingdon
