Nicola sets sights on life-saving campaign

Nicola Delves (24) had her life saved after a routine eye test by a keen optician, Komrul Hussain at Specsavers, Royton..

A WOMAN whose potentially life-threatening condition was spotted during a routine eye test is helping to raise awareness to save others.

Nicola Delves (26) was at risk of not just losing her sight but also her life had it not been for the intervention of optician Komrul Hassan, of Specsavers, in Royton.

During an appointment she made after suffering blurred vision in her left eye Komrul noticed her left optic nerve was very swollen and suspected a serious problem.

He immediately phoned Royal Oldham Hospital and Nicola was referred that day for an emergency appointment when doctors discovered intracranial hypertension - a build-up of pressure inside the skull, serious enough to demand immediate treatment.

Nicola, from Shaw, spent two nights in hospital while doctors reduced the pressure via lumbar punctures and she was put on medication.

Two years later Nicola is now fully recovered and is helping to spread the message with Specsavers and RNIB during National Eye Health Week - which runs until Sunday.

As part of the week, Nicola has been to the House of Lords as part of a special event and filmed an online video to tell her story and highlight the importance of eye tests.

"I'd urge anybody to go to their opticians and get their eyes tested if they haven't been in the last two years," said Nicola, a clerical officer.

"If I hadn't gone to Specsavers on that day potentially it could have been life-threatening. The pressure and the swelling that was inside my skull; it could have killed me."