'Selfie' saves woman's sight

Following news of a recent ‘selfie’ that saved a woman’s life, we're is calling on the public to show their eyes some love this Valentine’s and help raise awareness of eye health and regular sight tests. 

Twenty-seven-year-old Nadine Rash, who works as a retinal screener at Linklaters Optometrists in Bexleyheath, Kent, knows the importance of regular sight tests with an optometrist. However, concerns about her own vision prompted her to take a ‘selfie’ of the back of her eye on a retinal camera, resulting in a shocking discovery.

Speaking exclusively to OT, our in-house journal, Ms Rash said: “On photographing my left eye I saw instantly that my optic disc was incredibly swollen, undefined and had inflamed haemorrhages. I was shocked to see what looked like papilloedema - swollen optic nerves - something which is potentially life threatening if left untreated. After seeing it, I rushed to one of my colleagues who confirmed the severity of the symptom.”

Geoff Roberson, AOP Professional Advisor, said: “Fortunately in Nadine’s case, early detection resulted in immediate treatment and no further threat to her health. Eyes are often described as the window to the soul but many people are unaware that eyes are also the window to the body - as optometrists can detect signs of general health conditions during a sight test. As well as an eye health check, a sight test might detect signs of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.” 

In light of the need to raise awareness around eye health, we've produced a new video aimed at the public that gives top tips for good vision. AOP members around the UK have been sent a new poster to raise awareness of eye health and encourage the public to show their eyes some love at Valentine’s. 

For more information, read our press release.