A SWANSEA father has praised his local opticians after a sight test led to the discovery of a brain tumour that doctors warned could have left him with only weeks to live.
Matthew Lewis, 47, a senior nurse at Morriston Hospital, had been suffering with persistent headaches. When his symptoms worsened in July 2024, and his wife noticed that he was behaving unusually, he booked an appointment at Specsavers Swansea.
He was seen by optometrist Chinwendu Ojo, who carried out a comprehensive eye examination, including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. The examination revealed a significant loss of vision in Mr Lewis’ left eye.
Concerned by the results, Ms Ojo urgently referred Mr Lewis to hospital. Within hours, scans revealed a glioblastoma, a fast-growing cancerous brain tumour. He was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for emergency neurosurgery, which was successful.
Following the surgery, consultants told Mr Lewis and his family that, without intervention, he may have had only weeks to live.
‘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,’ says his wife, Kate Lewis.
She adds: ‘Chinwendu didn’t just save Matthew’s sight; she saved his life. We will forever be grateful to her and the Specsavers Swansea team.’
‘Eye tests aren’t just about checking vision – they can reveal so much more about your overall health,’ explains Ms Ojo. ‘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. Seeing him enjoying life with his family now is so rewarding.’
Following surgery, Matthew underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite the tough treatment, he has remained positive and is currently cancer-free, with regular scans every three months.
However, doctors have explained that Mr Lewis’ cancer will return.
Mrs Lewis says: ‘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.’
