A Suffolk teenager’s life has been saved thanks to an eye test that discovered a tumour in her brain. 

Bethany Williams had been suffering from sickness and headaches for months before she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a primary central nervous system tumour. 

The 16-year-old girl went back and forth between her GP and A&E but got no answers, until a student nurse suggested the headaches could be due to an incorrect glasses prescription.  

Bethany’s mother, Jenna, booked an appointment at Specsavers Stowmarket. The examination discovered a tumour in Bethany’s brain. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Bethany with Obiora Ogbonna, the optometrist who discovered the tumour, Specsavers Bethany with Obiora Ogbonna, the optometrist who discovered the tumour, Specsavers (Image: Specsavers)

The teenager was immediately referred to West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, to see a specialist, and then she was sent for an MRI scan. 

Bethany underwent brain surgery and chemotherapy, and she is now in remission.

Her mum, Jenna, said: “We are so grateful that Bethany got her diagnosis when she did. You never know what could have happened if we waited to book our appointment even a few weeks later. 

“We are telling everyone to book an appointment now. We had no idea that opticians could see things like brain tumours, but it saved her life.” 

With the news that Bethany is in remission, she is ready to start her A-Levels in the new academic year.  

The optometrist who carried out Bethany’s appointment, Obiora Ogbonna, said: “I do tests and screenings like I did for Bethany every day, so to hear that I helped her get a diagnosis but that she is now in remission makes this job so rewarding.

 East Anglian Daily Times: Bethany with Obiora Ogbonna at Specsavers Stowmarket, Specsavers Bethany with Obiora Ogbonna at Specsavers Stowmarket, Specsavers (Image: Specsavers)

“Situations like Bethany’s highlight how important it is to get regular eye tests, as we were able to identify an issue when we compared her eyes to how they were when she had her last appointment with us.” 

Recently, a darts tournament was held in memory of a Suffolk dad who died suddenly aged 35, with all funds going towards making Bethany’s dreams come true. 

Bethany said she is going to use some of the money to go on her first holiday abroad when she is well enough and leave the rest for her university fund.