Practitioner praised for swift diagnosis of papilloedema

An optometrist at Asda's Mansfield store whose swift diagnosis of a young customer led to the detection of a brain tumour has been named Asda's Shining Star of the year at its ceremony.

Sarfraz Ali (pictured) discovered that 12-year old Jessica Wilkins had papilloedema after a colleague at the store suggested she have an eye test, having complained of a headache for several weeks and already been to an accident and emergency department and her GP. Ali referred her immediately to hospital, where after an MRA scan a brain tumour was discovered.

He was one of 37 colleagues nominated as a Shining Star, an award that is given out annually to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The event was presented by celebrity Ian Wright at the ICC in Birmingham last week and was a feature of Asda's Christmas campaign.