A former Welsh Government minister has praised the rapid response of an optician’s team in Pontypridd after their quick action helped save his eyesight.
Mick Antoniw, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Pontypridd, suddenly lost vision in his left eye in late December. On the advice of his partner, he immediately sought help from his local Specsavers in Pontypridd for urgent assistance.
Recognizing the severity of his condition, the team at the Taff Street store quickly advised Antoniw to come in for further testing. Their swift assessment revealed a serious issue requiring immediate attention.
Urgent Action and Referral
After conducting a series of eye tests, the Specsavers team identified internal bleeding in Antoniw’s eye, as well as a possible retinal tear. Understanding the gravity of the situation, they immediately referred him to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant for additional examinations.
Within 24 hours, Antoniw underwent life-saving surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, a procedure that ultimately preserved his sight.
“If I hadn’t been treated so quickly by the team at Specsavers, there was a real risk I could have permanently lost my sight,” Antoniw said. “I can’t thank them enough for their expert care. Their prompt action made all the difference.”
He added, “The seamless process from seeing the team at Specsavers to undergoing treatment at my local hospital was remarkable.”
Full Recovery and a Vital Message
Now fully recovered, Antoniw is urging others to take their eye health seriously. He stressed the importance of not dismissing changes in vision, even those that may initially seem minor.
“It shows how crucial your senses are,” Antoniw remarked. “I initially thought the blurry vision would go away on its own, but it’s vital not to ignore changes to your eyesight.”
Importance of Timely Eye Care
Emma Davies, store manager at Specsavers Pontypridd, expressed her relief at Antoniw’s recovery, emphasizing the critical role opticians play in identifying urgent eye conditions.
“We’re delighted to hear that Mr. Antoniw has made a full recovery,” she said. “At Specsavers, we specialize in detecting and managing both routine and urgent eye conditions, ensuring our patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.”
Davies added that Antoniw’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of regular eye tests and the need to act quickly if vision problems arise.
“High street opticians should be the first point of contact for eye care needs,” Davies said. “This helps alleviate pressure on busy GPs and the NHS, allowing opticians to provide timely support and, when necessary, refer patients for further investigation. Quick intervention can truly save sight.”
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