SWIFT ACTION from an optician at Specsavers Porthcawl led to the early diagnosis of a sight-threatening condition for a team member.
In July 2025, optical assistant, Ffion Roberts, told specialist optometrist Rachel Burrows that she had been struggling to concentrate on screens and while driving.
Concerned, Ms Burrows urged Ms Roberts – who is 24 years old – to have a sight test and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan. The results revealed raised optic nerves in both eyes – a finding that can indicate increased pressure around the brain, which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
Ms Roberts was urgently referred to the local hospital and, within just 24 hours, was undergoing treatment for intracranial hypertension, which included a lumbar puncture. She is now on medication and recovering well.
According to the National Eye Institute, 19 out of 20 people diagnosed with intracranial hypertension are women, with the condition most commonly affecting those aged 20 to 50.
‘I’m so grateful that Rachel took my symptoms seriously,’ says Ms Roberts. ‘I thought it was just eye strain from work, but it turned out to be something much more serious. If it hadn’t been picked up when it was, I could have lost my sight – and with it, the ability to live life to the full. Rachel’s quick thinking made all the difference.’
Ms Burrows adds: ‘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, blurred vision or, like Ffion, difficulty concentrating on screens.
‘I’m so relieved we picked up Ffion’s condition and referred her quickly so she got the urgent care she needed. Knowing she is on her way to recovery is such a relief.’
