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Although there is no doubt that a trip to the opticians is a good idea to keep an eye on any conditions that might be manifesting themselves, it is generally rare that a routine visit to your local optical specialist will actually be a sight saving exercise. So from that, the leap to 'getting an eye test can actually save your life' is without doubt an even rarer occurrence, but that is exactly the case with a young brick layer from Grantham.
Chris Brown of Grantham was stunned to hear the news that he had a life threatening tumour following a bizarre and 'fortunate' series of events which resulted in the young man undergoing a six hour operation to remove the ping pong ball sized tumour which had grown on his pituitary gland. In fact, had it not been for an accident to begin with, Chris would never have felt the need to go to his opticians in the first place, a move which left him taking in the news that untreated, he would have died within just six years. The incident in question was centred around a work related accident, where Mr Brown had dust blown into his eyes, which in turn caused his sight to be affected.
Having no other choice but to see his local optician, Mr Brown made an appointment, and having undergone his eye exam with optometrist Stuart Rusk was referred straight away following concerns regarding the mans health and deterioration in vision. Chris was then diagnosed, following further tests, with acromegaly. The incredibly rare condition sees a sufferer produce too much growth hormones within their body leading to hands, feet and other bodily features expanding and growing bigger and faster than they should do. Having now received treatment and undergone his lengthy operation, Mr Brown is delighted and stunned by how an incredibly fortunate series of events enabled him to overcome an undiagnosed and unbelievably unfortunate illness.