A York woman has spoken of her shock after she mistook a serious vision issue for having mascara in her eye.
She has thanked her opticians for ensuring she got the swift treatment she needed – and urged others to be on the lookout for the same symptoms.
Ruth Cluderay, 46, contacted Specsavers in Acomb after experiencing ongoing black floaters in her eye, which at first she thought were bits of mascara.
After using an eye wash failed to sort the problem, she Googled it – and the results led her to call her opticians. They asked her to come in right away.
Stephen McEnaney, optometrist partner at Specsavers Acomb, carried out a minor eye conditions service, designed for people who have recently had a sudden change in vision.
He realised Ruth had a retinal tear, which is a small break in the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
Stephen referred her to the emergency eyecare department at York Hospital where she was seen to swiftly.
Ruth, a school business manager, said: ‘It all happened so quickly, from ringing Specsavers to being booked in for laser eye surgery at the hospital.
“My eyesight was fixed in a matter of hours.
“My advice to anyone who suddenly gets black floaters is – call your opticians ASAP. If it were to ever happen to me again, I’d immediately know what to do.”
She praised her treatment. “I can’t thank Stephen at Specsavers enough.
“If it wasn’t for his expertise and speedy identification my retina could have fully detached – I potentially would have lost my vision.”
After being treated, she realised she hadn’t paid. But her appointment at Specsavers turned out to be free.
“I never even realised Specsavers offered NHS-funded emergency services. Now it’s something I tell all my loved ones – that way we can take the strain off our GPs.”
Stephen said: “When Ruth came in requiring urgent assistance, it was a privilege to be able to identify the issue and take the relevant steps to ensure she was seen right away by the ophthalmology department.
“We’re proud to offer free emergency services for anyone facing urgent optical issues. We believe that access to immediate care shouldn’t be a luxury, ensuring that everyone receives the prompt attention they deserve.”
He urged anyone who noticed a change in their vision to seek the advice of an optician straight away.