A Huntingdon resident is praising her local opticians after one simple phone call saved her eyesight and her life.

Doris Phillips started to experience temporary vision loss in her right eye, prompting her to call her opticians for help.

After a few questions over the phone and listening to Doris describe her symptoms, the resident optometrist at Specsavers, Zuher Gulamhusein, suspected she might have giant cell arteritis and had possibly suffered a ‘mini stroke’.

He insisted that she go to A&E as soon as possible for further investigation.

After waiting in A&E, Doris was finally seen but received no treatment, so when Zuher called her the next morning to check how she was doing, he enlisted the help of Doris’ local GP.

Within an hour, Doris was sent to Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, for further tests, including an MRI scan.

Here, it was confirmed she had giant cell arteritis, but the results also showed Doris had suffered a stroke and had a benign tumour on her brain.

"After losing my sight twice in two days, I was very concerned," said Doris.

"Thankfully, Zuher and the team were very professional and helped me stay at ease over the phone.

"After insisting I go to A&E, Zuher kept in contact with me to make sure I got the help I needed.

"He even rang my doctor to make sure I was getting all the help I needed.

"Because of Zuher, I have been receiving regular treatment and medication, as well as hospital visits for a biopsy of the temporal artery.

"All of this was possible because I phoned Mr Zuher for advice. I cannot thank you enough for saving my life."

Zuher, optometry director at Specsavers Huntingdon, said: "I’m so glad that we were able to help ensure Doris’ conditions were treated quickly before it became a detriment to her eyesight and general health.

"With Giant Cell Arteritis, it can be easy to dismiss the symptoms of fever, jaw pain, and headaches as nothing.

"This, however, can lead to profoundly serious problems such as sight loss, so regular eye exams will save your time, energy, sight and even your life."