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.

Related articles

Llanelli-born Specsavers co-founder honoured with CBE
Doug Perkins recognised for services to business and healthcare after building Specsavers into a global brand.

Specsavers offers free eye and ear checks to people experiencing homelessness
Swansea opticians provide vital health services in partnership with Crisis.

Swansea opticians give back with donation to Crisis
Local Specsavers team support people at risk of homelessness with festive collection.

From ‘worst team’ to cup finalists: Cwm Albion’s turnaround
Swansea grassroots football side reach their first final in 26 years, backed by Specsavers’ Best Worst Team campaign.

#brainTumour #Cancer #Chemotherapy #eyeTest #glioblastoma #headaches #Optometrist #Radiotherapy #Specsavers #Swansea #tumour

My vision has changed, and I’m looking for an experienced optometrist who specializes in contact lenses—ideally near San Francisco. Any recommendations?

#SanFrancisco #Optometrist #ContactLenses

Swansea optometrists named as Gower Dragons Touch Rugby sponsors

This new partnership will see the practice support all divisions of the club – including Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, and Junior teams – with the Stephen Evans Optometrists logo proudly featured on the back of both match shirts and training kits.

The opticians say this support comes as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and making sport more accessible and affordable for all. By helping to cover kit costs, the sponsorship plays a vital role in reducing expenses for club members and their families.

The driving force behind this partnership is Henry Evans, former rugby union player, dispensing optician, and Director at Stephen Evans Optometrists’ King’s Road practice. His passion for sport and dedication to community wellbeing has inspired the practice’s active involvement in supporting local teams.

In 2024, he proudly represented Wales, narrowly missing out of the quarter finals in the Men’s 30s division at the Touch Rugby World Cup, held at the University of Nottingham.

He said: “As someone who’s played and loved the game for many years, I know how important it is to keep sport alive and accessible in our communities. Our sponsorship of the Gower Dragons is about more than just branding – it’s about giving back and helping people enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport without financial strain.”

The practice continues to champion active lifestyles by advising patients of all ages on how to safely enjoy sport through tailored optical solutions, including specialist sports glasses and contact lenses suitable for those aged 10 and above.

#Business #Gower #GowerDragons #Optician #Optometrist #Rugby #shirtSponsorship #sponsorship #touchRugby

What a wonderful day! Warm and inviting. I'm so thankful for it! ❤️

… because the sensor has not yet been developed that could measure the level of rage I'd feel if I'd first had to dig my car out of a snowbank in deep cold prior to arriving at an #optometrist appt a couple hours ago and being denied entry because #AISH *still* has not removed prior student #HealthInsurance I had 4+ yrs ago from their system.

😡😡😡

#Alberta
#yegwx
#disability
#accessibility

New ophthalmic director takes the helm at Swansea and Mumbles opticians

Melissa Williams, who was a student at both Bishopton Primary School and Bishopton Comprehensive School, has steadily advanced through the ranks of the high-street opticians, having joined the Gorseinon Specsavers store on a summer placement while studying optometry at Cardiff University.

Upon completing her degree, Melissa Williams undertook a pre-registration role at Specsavers Swansea in 2017, where she quickly gained valuable experience.

In 2018, Melissa Williams achieved full qualification as an optometrist, and by 2020 she had transitioned into a managerial position as principal optometrist at the Swansea store.

Subsequently, Melissa completed the Specsavers Pathway Programme, an initiative designed to develop the skills necessary for store leadership and partnership.

After eight years with Specsavers, Melissa is stepping into her new role as ophthalmic director, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the store’s leadership team.

Commenting on her new role, Melissa Williams said:

“Optometry is a fantastic sector to work in, and I haven’t looked back since deciding to study it. I really enjoy making a difference to people’s lives by helping them look after their eye health.

“I first learned about optometry at a careers fair, and it seems especially fitting that I’ve been promoted to my role during National Careers Week. I feel passionate about offering career progression opportunities to others, similar to the ones I have benefited from during my time with Specsavers.

“I am thrilled to join the team of directors at the Swansea and Mumbles store and take on the role of ophthalmic director. I look forward to working with our brilliant team to drive our business forward, enhancing our services, and continuing to give back to the community that has supported us over the years.’

Specsavers Swansea and Specsavers Mumbles is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Swansea or Mumbles, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/swansea or www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/mumbles.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

[Lead image: Specsavers Swansea]

#Mumbles #Optometrist #Specsavers