News

Tenby: Eye test leads to the discovery of woman’s brain tumour

Published

8 years ago

June 21, 2016

A MOTHER of two from Tenby has thanked her local opticians after a check-up helped to detect a potentially sight-threatening brain tumour.

Peta Spiller, 37, visited her local doctor after experiencing a sudden loss of vision and was advised to contact Specsavers to help identify the root cause of her change in vision.

Specsavers in Pembroke Dock is accredited to deliver Wales Eye Care Services (WECS), meaning it is eligible to deliver primary eyecare services on behalf of the NHS in the form of targeted clinical tests.

Prior to her loss of vision, Mrs Spiller had worn glasses for a number of years and had experienced sinus problems which she thought may have been responsible for the sudden deterioration in her sight.

Following a two-hour test at Specsavers, Gary Owen, store director and the optician who tested Mrs Spiller, contacted a hospital-based ophthalmologist and arranged an emergency appointment for her that day. At her local hospital, Mrs Spiller had a CT scan and it was discovered that she had a lump on her brain.

She was transferred to the neurological ward in Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales for an MRI scan, which confirmed that Mrs Spiller was suffering from a pituitary tumour.

The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and tumours that develop in this area are normally benign but swelling can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing sudden and substantial loss of vision.

Mrs Spiller underwent three hours of surgery to remove the tumour. Her eyesight returned to normal within 48 hours of her operation, but she remained in a high-dependency ward for four days and was then transferred to the neurology ward for a further four days.

Mrs Spiller now takes medication, and will do for the foreseeable future, to replace the hormones that were previously created by the pituitary gland, but her sight has been fully restored.

Mrs Spiller said: ‘It was extremely frightening to suddenly lose my vision and my first instinct was to go to my doctor.

‘Looking back, I feel very fortunate that Specsavers could see me so quickly and carry out such an in-depth test, I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t had the test that day. They made sure I was seen by a specialist straight away, which gave me the best chance of having my sight fully restored.’

Gary Owen, director at Specsavers in Pembroke Dock, said: ‘Peta’s experience is an important example of why we must respond quickly to any changes in our sight and visit an optician, who has specialist and advanced knowledge of eye care.

‘On this occasion, Peta’s tumour was of such a size that it affected her vision, which obviously triggered her to visit us but not all eye-related conditions will have such obvious warning signs until they are at advanced stages.

‘Thankfully, most of the customers we see at Specsavers in Pembroke Dock are healthy and well, but at times we do see people with more serious conditions, which only highlights the importance of looking after your eye health. If you notice a change in your vision, our advice is to get in touch with your local optician straight away.’

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

11 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.