A hero optometrist’s quick-thinking during an eye test meant a County Durham lad, nine, had vital emergency brain surgery.
Frankie Crow, nine, from Browney, attended an eye test with Williams Okezie in Specsavers Durham in February. When Williams examined images of Frankie’s optic nerve, he spotted something unusual and sent the little lad to hospital.
At Darlington Memorial Hospital, scans revealed little Frankie had a build-up of fluid around his brain, and he was then rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for further tests. Neurosurgeons discovered Frankie had papilledema – which is a swelling of the optic discs which sit between the eye and the brain.
As a result, Frankie needed to undergo brain surgery – he had an operation known as an endoscopic ventriculostomy, where a section of his skull was removed and a needle inserted to drain the excess fluid from around the brain. This went well – and after surgery at 9am, Frankie was back with his family by 1.30pm.
Frankie’s dad Liam said this was a reminder how vital eye tests can be. He said: “Without Mr Okezie’s referral, this diagnosis would have gone unnoticed for a number of months, or even years, and I dread to think what could have happened.
(Image: Specsavers Durham)
“I am eternally grateful for his swift response and actions which mean we now have Frankie back, fighting fit and healthy. We’ll be back for regular eye tests and would encourage everyone to do the same and make sure they take time to see their optician.”
Specsavers Durham ophthalmic director Gavin Donnelly says: ‘Nine times out of ten these signs appearing in an eye test may be nothing to worry about, but in rarer cases it can be extremely dangerous so it’s important that precautionary checks are carried out – as Frankie’s story demonstrates.
“Williams’ quick thinking and action is a credit to the store. Since qualifying he has demonstrated incredible skill and is a true asset to our team. We are all so glad to hear Frankie is on the mend after what was no doubt a huge scare for him and his family. The importance of getting regular eye tests cannot be overstated. In rare instances they really can be the difference between life and death.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/durham-lad-nine-needed-emergency-29223267
