Eye test saves Charlotte's life

6:24am Monday 5th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

There is more to an eye test than meets the eye.

That is the message from a Braintree physio assistant whose life was saved after a brain tumour was only discovered after a visit to Specsavers.

Charlotte Poh, 21, of Buchan Close, Braintree, is celebrating the five-year all clear after she had a rare cancerous brain tumour removed.

"All people think about when they have an eye test is whether they will have to wear glasses but there are other things that can be picked up too.

"It's just like seeing the doctor," said Miss Poh, 21.

In 2002 Miss Poh visited her doctor after suffering with headaches for about a year.

It was only when she went into Specsavers in Braintree High Street to change her contact lenses that an optometrist found signs of pressure on the optic verve - a nerve connected to the brain.

Yesterday Miss Poh and her mother were at Specsavers to say thank you.

Mike Bromidge, store director, said: "We've had five instances of similar head trauma.

"It's never a pleasant experience but the spotting of conditions early can make a huge difference.

"Charlotte has been fantastic and I can't express how pleased I am."

For the full story see this weeks Braintree and Witham Times.