I thought I needed new specs... but eye test was a life-saver
A POSTMAN discovered he was ‘just days’ from having a potentially fatal heart attack – after he went for a routine eye test.
Edward Donnachie, 51, visited his local Specsavers after he noticed he was struggling to make out the finer details of people’s faces.
But after optometrist Stephanie Duff found ‘alarming’ results she referred him to hospital where an ultrasound revealed bleeding on Mr Donnachie’s kidneys.
The arteries leading to his heart from his kidneys had thickened and become blocked, which could have led to a heart attack within days, according to doctors.
The postman was kept at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride for observation for two days and given medication to lower his blood pressure. Mr Donnachie, from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, said: ‘I’m hugely grateful for Dr Duff’s examination and quick but calm management of the whole situation. She really did help save my life.
‘I’d like to encourage everyone to not neglect their eye health and visit their opticians.’
Andrew McGonagle, director of Specsavers in Airdrie and Coatbridge, said: ‘Eye exams should be an important part of everyone’s overall health routine, no matter their age. Some people wait until they experience symptoms to see an optometrist, but they shouldn’t, because many eye problems and other underlying health conditions can be silent – meaning they have no symptoms.
‘If you have any concerns regarding your eye health, visit or call your local opticians to book an appointment.’ Mr McGonagle also praised Dr Duff for her handling of Mr Donnachie’s case.
Dr Duff said: ‘Digital retinal photography is part of a standard test for all customers, but we are trained to know exactly what warning signs to look out for.’
An estimated 171,000 people in Scotland live with sight loss, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Mr Donnachie has now made a full recovery.