A Scottish woman’s life was saved after her optician identified a serious eye infection during an emergency appointment. Susan Dolan, a logistics worker from Houston, Renfrewshire, initially thought she had a stye. However, within 24 hours of visiting her optician, she underwent emergency surgery. She revealed, “The surgeon explained to me that if I had left it for another 24 hours, I could have lost my sight, or even my eye.”
It all started when Susan noticed irritation in her eye while at work one Saturday morning, experiencing pain above her right eyebrow and itchiness. A colleague pointed out her swollen eye, prompting her to seek advice. After visiting her regular opticians at Hill Eyecare, optometrist Gemma Hill noticed clouding across the cornea and swelling. She immediately referred Susan to ophthalmology at Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow. Susan was later diagnosed with orbital cellulitis, requiring emergency surgery to prevent complications like vision loss, abscess formation, thrombosis, meningitis, and sepsis.
The surgical team had to relieve pressure caused by the infection by removing parts of Susan’s nasal passages and bone behind her eye. She expressed her gratitude, acknowledging Gemma’s swift response that saved her vision. Gemma emphasized the importance of seeking help promptly in such situations. Susan is now on the path to recovery at home, relieved that she still has her sight thanks to the timely intervention.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role optometrists play in detecting potentially life-threatening conditions. Gemma hopes that Susan’s story will raise awareness and encourage others to seek timely medical attention when experiencing similar symptoms. As Susan continues her recovery, her story stands as a testament to the importance of proactive healthcare and the impact of vigilant healthcare professionals in saving lives.