A SPECTACLES-wearing football club scout found to have an eye tumour the size of a kiwi fruit by an optometrist at a South Harrow opticians is urging people to have routine sight check-ups.
John O’Brien, a 50-year-old who is head of London recruitment at Fulham FC's The Fulham Academy, was en route to a match when he visited Specsavers in Northolt Road, South Harrow, for a drop-in appointment earlier this year.
He underwent a routine eye exam which includes digital retinal photography to capture images of the back of the eye and optometrist Nund Vyas spotted irregularities behind his customer’s right eye.
Mr Vyas referred to hospital and was diagnosed with a tumour and was operated on within days.
Father-of-two Mr O’Brien, based at the club’s Motspur Park Training Ground in New Malden, Surrey, said: “My story shows just how important eye tests are.
“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.”
Mr Vyas said: “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.”
