A routine eye test proved a life-saver for a Spalding woman who had no idea a tumour was the problem.
Georgina Harrison was having intermittent problems with her right eye and thought it was time to update her glasses.
But, unbeknown to he former nurse, a tumour was pushing on her retina and it was a malignant growth which was both life-threatening and rare.
“I was finding it difficult to read and do close work. I think people thought I was just being slow,” she said.
A trip to Spalding’s Molsom and Associates saw optometrist Ian Price carry out an examination.
He was immediately concerned and she had a retinal eye scan at the practice and referred her to the Royal Eye Hospital in Boston.
She was diagnosed with ocular melanoma – a rare type of cancer.
“I would like to thank Molsom and Associates for saving my life. Sounds dramatic but it is true,” said Georgina (pictured).
She was referred on to the Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham and then to Sheffield for specialist treatment.
“I didn’t realise what was wrong but my sister spotted the word ‘oncology’ on my letter about Sheffield.
“They were absolutely brilliant at the hospital and within two months of my eye test I was having Proton Beam therapy at Liverpool,” she said.
Georgina underwent several rounds of treatment before specialists were happy that the tumour had gone.
“Everyone was so considerate at the hospital – we had to stay and they arranged taxis for us as well,” she said.
Her 16-year-old son Jamie was studying for his GCSEs while his mum was undergoing treatment and was worried about her illness.
“He was fantastic and for Mother’s Day he got me a pocket watch which was inscribed with words saying how much he cherished me. I had it with me,” said Georgina.
“Although I have lost a lot of vision due to the tumour and the treatment, I have new glasses and am looking forward to reading a book soon.”
Georgina is now hoping to be accepted on a return to nursing course to resume her former career.
“I am so thankful Georgina came to see us when she did. These tumours can be aggressive,” said Ian.
“Opticians can pick up many general health problems as well as eye disorders,” he added.
