After experiencing double vision, a 76-year-old received an examination that proved to save his ability to see.

Mr Rodney Allcott, a resident of Worcester, found his world blurring one November Friday.

His daughter and councillor, Mel Allcott, told him to visit his optician following worsening symptoms over the weekend.

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"Dad was struggling with blurred vision, particularly in his right eye, so we called the opticians on Monday morning, and thankfully they had an appointment available that afternoon," she said.

Mr Allcott was seen at Specsavers by optometrist Arusa Azad, who conducted an eye examination, including an OCT scan, which enables early detection of diseases by providing a detailed structural scan of the eye.

She noted his symptoms and the scan results, suspected a serious underlying condition – a blocked artery, later confirmed as giant cell arteritis, a potentially sight-threatening inflammation of the lining of your arteries.

"Arusa explained that dad needed to go to hospital straight away before the symptoms got any worse and made an emergency same-day referral to the Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre (BMEC)," adds Ms Allcott.

Mr Allcott received a prompt diagnosis at BMEC and underwent tests and treatment, potentially saving him from permanent blindness.

He spent five days in the hospital and is currently on steroids to reduce artery inflammation.

His vision has seen improvement since his treatment.

Ms Allcott said: "I’d like to say a huge thank you to Arusa and the team at Specsavers in Worcester for their kindness and professionalism, and the team at BMEC for their excellent care.

"This experience has really opened our eyes to the importance of regular sight tests, and we’ll be taking this much more seriously now."

Optometrist Arusa Azad added: "I’m so pleased that Rodney is on the road to recovery.

"His case is a prime example of why we urge people to have any changes in their vision checked."

She encourages regular eye checks every two years and immediate consultation if there are vision issues.

To learn more or schedule a sight or hearing test at Specsavers Worcester, call 01905 729779 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/worcester.