Swansea dad praises local opticians after life‑saving tumour diagnosis

Headaches led to urgent referral

Matthew Lewis, 47, a senior nurse at Morriston Hospital, had been suffering with persistent headaches when his wife noticed unusual changes in his behaviour last summer. Concerned, he booked an appointment at Specsavers Swansea in July 2024.

Optometrist Chinwendu Ojo carried out a comprehensive eye examination, including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, which revealed a significant loss of vision in Mr Lewis’ left eye.

Within hours of being urgently referred to hospital, scans confirmed a glioblastoma – a fast‑growing cancerous brain tumour. He was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for emergency neurosurgery, which doctors say saved his life.

“She didn’t just save his sight – she saved his life”

Following surgery, consultants told the family that without intervention, Mr Lewis may have had only weeks to live.

His wife, Kate Lewis, said:

“Because of Chinwendu’s thorough testing and immediate referral into hospital, we’ve been given so much more precious time together as a family – time we very nearly missed out on. Chinwendu didn’t just save Matthew’s sight; she saved his life. We will forever be grateful to her and the Specsavers Swansea team.”

Living life to the fullest

Since surgery, Mr Lewis has undergone intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He remains positive and is currently cancer‑free, with regular scans every three months.

Doctors have explained that the cancer is likely to return, but the family are determined to make the most of every day.

Mrs Lewis added:

“It is extremely likely that Matthew’s cancer will return – it’s just a question of when, and how it can be treated when it does. We’re taking every day as it comes but concentrating on making as many special memories as possible. Over the past year, we’ve renewed our wedding vows, watched Matthew walk our daughter down the aisle, and enjoyed many holidays together as a family. We’re already planning our next trip.”

Importance of regular eye tests

Optometrist Chinwendu Ojo said the case highlights the importance of regular sight tests:

“Eye tests aren’t just about checking vision – they can reveal so much more about your overall health. That’s why it’s so important to have regular sight tests and seek professional advice if you notice unusual symptoms such as intense headaches or blurred vision. I’m so relieved we were able to pick up on Matthew’s vision loss and refer him quickly to ensure he got the urgent care he needed.”

Specsavers Swansea

Specsavers Swansea say they’re open seven days a week and also offer Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

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Swansea man helps shape research to prevent sight loss from diabetes

“Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable.” That’s the powerful message from a Swansea man living with type 1 diabetes, who is helping shape research that could transform eye care across Wales and beyond.

Paul’s lived experience drives research

Paul Coker, 53, has lived with diabetes since the age of five. Thanks to laser treatment, his vision has been preserved — but he knows many others are not so fortunate.

“It saddens me deeply that there are people out there whose eyesight is at risk because they’re on a waiting list to see a specialist,” he said. “If this study works, more people could get the care they need, when they need it.”

Tackling a growing health challenge

Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the leading causes of sight loss among working‑age adults in the UK. While modern treatments have reduced the risk, delays in accessing care still put thousands at risk.

Until recently, diabetes was the number one cause of sight loss in working‑age people. With cases of diabetes rising, the pressure on NHS eye services is only increasing.

The AVENUE‑PDR study

Paul is now a public involvement member and co‑applicant in the AVENUE‑PDR study, led by Professor Steve Bain, Assistant Medical Director for Research & Development at Swansea Bay University Health Board and Specialty Lead for Diabetes at Health and Care Research Wales.

The study, funded by Health and Care Research Wales, is exploring whether trained eye care practitioners — not just consultants — can safely provide laser treatment for people with diabetes at risk of sight loss.

Professor Bain explained:

“There is a shortage of eye specialist consultants, not only in Wales and the UK, but throughout the world. This, in conjunction with increasing numbers of people living with diabetes, means that many people with sight‑threatening eye conditions cannot access timely laser therapy.”

If successful, the study could relieve bottlenecks in care, reduce waiting times, and prevent avoidable blindness.

A “win‑win‑win” for patients and the NHS

Paul believes the benefits are clear:

• Patients get timely treatment.
• The NHS eases pressure on overstretched services.
• Specialist doctors can focus on the most complex cases.

“I see only potential upsides,” he said. “Nobody should be losing their sight to diabetes if it’s preventable. It’s devastating not just for the individual, but for their families too.”

Looking ahead

Paul will begin a PhD at Swansea University in October, focusing on how the complications of diabetes are communicated in ways that are both empathetic and empowering.

For him, the message is simple: regular eye checks and timely access to treatment save sight.

National Eye Health Week

This story comes as part of National Eye Health Week, which runs from 23–29 September, raising awareness of the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

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Optical Illusion: Only eagle eyes can find the cheese slice in 6 seconds!

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