A routine eye test for OAP led to life-saving operations

A PENSIONER from Washington’s routine Specsavers eye test led to a lifesaving discovery of two tumours.

- By OWEN YOUNGER

Patricia Flett, 79, went into The Galleries Shopping Centre store for the routine check last year, when alarm bells were raised.

The grandmother, who has been a regular customer with the business for many years, was seen by optometrist Penny Ransom, who noticed a bleed in the centre of the retina in her left eye during the examination, and urgently referred her to Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

Doctors then discovered that Patricia had a pituitary gland tumour on her brain, as well as a separate mass in her bowel.

This was shocking for the pensioner and her family, who endured a very nervous time as their beloved relative awaited treatment.