A VISIT to Droitwich’s Sepcsavers by Olivia-Rae French ended up saving her eyesight after it picked up the start of a serious infection.
She complained of a sore eye to her mum Ruth who thought it was just a rogue eyelash.
Ruth called the opticians in Salters Shopping Centre where optometrist Sapna Prema advised her how to clean Olivia-Rae’s eye and told her to get back in touch if it did not improve.
The next day the eye looked worse and was swollen so Ruth called back Specsavers which is open for urgent cases.
Sapna told them to come in straight away and, after examining the eight-year-old’s eye, quickly decided urgent medical treatment was needed.
Olivia-Rae was referred to the Kidderminster Eye Hospital and, a severe infection was suspected, she was instantly admitted to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
After a diagnosis of a severe sinus infection she was given IV antibiotics, staying in hospital for five nights.
It was touch and go as to whether Olivia-Rae would need surgery as doctors were worried the infection may cause pressure to build up behind her eye and perforate it, causing loss of sight.
Thanks to the early intervention she is now home and recovering, although has a follow up appointment to see an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.
Ruth said: “We’re just so grateful to Specsavers and for their swift action.
“It meant that we avoided going to A&E – speeding up the process and alleviating some of the stress.”
Sapna added: “It’s great to hear that Olivia-Rae is on the mend.”
