A Fulham Football Club Academy recruitment manager is urging people to go for regular eye tests after a tumour the size of a kiwi was found behind his eye.
John O’Brien, head of London youth recruitment at the famous club, thought he may just need new glasses as he popped into Specsavers South Harrow earlier this year on the way to a football match.
But the reality was much more scary as the routine check-up by optometrist Nund Vyas found irregularities behind the 50-year-old’s right eye, which after an immediate referral to hospital turned out to be a high-grade brain tumour - the size of a kiwi.
The father-of-two is now in the all clear but he wants to help raise awareness of just how crucial regular eye tests are.
“My story shows just how important eye tests are,” he said. “I thought I just needed new glasses, but I actually had a brain tumour. If I hadn’t gone for an eye test when I did, I probably wouldn’t be here now.
“I can’t thank Nund, the team at Specsavers and the medical teams enough for their swift action. I would encourage everyone to make time for their regular screenings.”
Digital retinal photography is used to capture images of the back of the eye during a routine eye examination, and it is these photos which can be used to detect an monitor a number of potentially harmful conditions, including Mr O’Brien’s tumour.
Optometrist, Mr Vyas, added: “We’re glad John came to see us when he did and that he had swift access to the treatment he needed. His experiences show how important eye examinations are, not only in testing your vision, but also in the detection of a number of potentially harmful issues.”
