OO Ôsaved my lifeÕ says tumour patient

A Liverpool optometrist was being praised this week as a lifesaver after her referral following a routine eye examination found a pituitary tumour.Heather Ogden, who works for Specsavers Opticians in the Huyton area of the city, examined 29-year-old Paul Nugent who went to the outlet for a contact lens consultation.Mr Nugent, who had also complained of blurred vision, was referred by the optometrist to Liverpool Royal University Hospital where eye specialists confirmed a pituitary tumour.Ms Ogden, who has been a registered optometrist since 1989, said: ÔHaving performed the field test on PaulÕs eyes, I found a pituitary defect caused by the tumour pressing on his optic nerve which led to his reduced vision. It was obvious that Paul had a condition that required immediate attention otherwise there may have been serious consequences to his health and sight.ÕMr Nugent, who is undergoing further treatment and has almost regained his vision, said that he was ignorant of what an eye examination could do.ÔI had no idea that your eyes can reveal so much about your well-being and general health.ÔIÕm in no doubt that Heather and the Specsavers team and the Walton Centre for Neurology at the Liverpool Royal University saved my life, and I want to thank them,Õ he said. ÔI would urge anyone who notices any change in their eyesight or doesnÕt have regular eyesight tests to book a test straight away.Õ