A KIDDERMINSTER woman said a routine eye test potentially saved her life, after discovering she was suffering from a neurological disorder.

Joanne Swalwell Williams, 37, had been suffering from headaches, but put it down to eye strain and had no idea that it was a symptom of a fare more sinister problem.

During a sight test at her local Specsavers store, in Coventry Street, her optician, Bikesh Dewett, noticed that her discs at the back of her eyes were bulging and immediately referred her to the local eye hospital.

Joanne, a trainee pharmacy dispenser, said: "Obviously I was worried.

"It had never occurred to me that I might have something wrong, other than just needing a change to my prescription."

After undergoing tests at Kidderminster Eye Hospital, Joanne was then sent to Worcester Royal Infirmary - where, following a CT scan, she was diagnosed as suffering from idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), neurological disorder that is characterised by increased pressure around the brain.

The mother of one added: "It was such a shock. To think that if I hadn't gone for the sight test the pressure may have built up and possibly lead to a stroke or even a bleed on the brain.

"It doesn't bear thinking about."

Joanne underwent a lumbar puncture, to help relieve the pressure and is currently waiting for a further operation to fit a stent into the brain to ensure the fluid doesn't build up again.

Joanne said: "I'd definitely recommend that people see their optician regularly.

"An eye examination picks up things you can't see and in my case, has potentially saved my life."

Kidderminster optician, Bikesh Dewett, added: "Cases like Joanne's are extremely rare, but they can happen.

"That is why it is so important people realise that a sight test is so much more than just about your vision - it is about your general health too.

"We encourage all our patients to see an optician every two years, or if they are experiencing any unusual symptoms to make an appointment straight away."