Eye check by Blackheath optician led to life-saving intervention
Prompt action by a Blackheath optician helped to save the life of a woman who was diagnosed with tuberculous (TB) meningitis following an eye appointment.
For three years, 31-year-old support worker, Chantel Isaac had been struggling with episodes of headaches, dizziness, double vision and neck pain. When healthcare professionals couldn’t get to the bottom of her symptoms, her friend insisted that she call into Specsavers on the High Street for some advice.
Chantel booked an appointment and was seen by optometrist, Shoaib Ilyas the same day. After discussing Chantel’s history and symptoms, he carried out a series of tests including an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan which allows for a more detailed examination of the back of the eyes.
"Chantel’s symptoms made it clear that something was wrong and the scans helped to identify swelling of the optic nerve, known as papilloedema," says Shoaib. ‘This swelling can be the result of a build-up of pressure in the brain, so I referred Chantel as an emergency, suspecting that she needed urgent medical attention.’
Chantel was initially sent to the Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre but was then referred on to the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital for further investigations. It was there that she was diagnosed with TB meningitis, which is a life-threatening infection that causes a rise in pressure within the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
"I was worried about going to hospital as I wanted to be around to take care of my seven-year-old daughter, but Shoaib encouraged me to get checked out the same day,’ Chantel adds. ‘I’m so glad he pushed me to go, otherwise I might not have got to the bottom of what was causing my symptoms.
"At the hospital, I was put on an IV drip and steroids to reduce the inflammation, and I’ll need to take medication for the next 12 months. The pain has decreased significantly since then, and my vision has improved to the point that I can now see without my glasses. The symptoms I had been living with for years had taken a huge toll on my mental health, but I feel so much better in myself thanks to Specsavers.
"I’m beyond grateful to Shoaib for listening to my concerns and spotting the problem; without him, I’d still be in pain now. He explained everything so thoroughly during my appointment and it feels like a weight off my shoulders to finally have some answers."
Emphasising the importance of regular tests, Shoaib says: "Cases like Chantel’s are rare but they highlight how vital it is to keep up with routine sight tests. You should have your eyes tested every two years, or sooner if you notice any changes in your vision. I’m delighted to hear that Chantel was able to get the treatment she needed in time and her eyesight has improved."
OCT scans can help detect health conditions up to four years earlier than traditional imaging methods.
