Routine eye test at Specsavers leads to life-saving surgery for Barnstaple boy

A routine eye examination at Specsavers in Barnstaple on 10 February 2025 helped prevent further complications for Harry Bennett.

Harry was born with hydrocephalus, a condition characterised by an accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. 

To manage the condition, he underwent shunt surgery, a procedure that involves implanting a thin tube into the brain to help drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the bloodstream. 

The shunt contains a valve that regulates the fluid’s flow, preventing excessive drainage.

ABOVE: Pictures from the scan

For several months, Harry had been experiencing frequent headaches, which worsened over time and caused significant fatigue. 

Concerned about his health, his mother sought medical advice from their GP and booked him in for an eye test. 

She explained: "I thought Harry may be struggling with headaches due to a change in his glasses prescription, so to rule out the cause, I booked him in for a routine eye test."

During the examination at Specsavers, the optometrist immediately identified inflammation of the optic nerve and multiple haemorrhages. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, she advised Harry to seek immediate medical attention at the local A&E department.

Harry was seen straight away, and after a series of tests, doctors discovered that the shunt in his neck had snapped. 

He was urgently transported by ambulance to Bristol Hospital, where emergency surgery took place within hours of his arrival.

Harry’s mother said: "The shunt in Harry’s neck had snapped, which was causing all his symptoms. Surgery took place immediately, and the shunt was replaced. Straight after surgery, the intracranial pressure had reduced, and the swelling was decreasing. Within a day or so, Harry was back to his usual self with no complaints of pain or headaches."

Harry returned to Specsavers on 26 February for a follow-up appointment, where he was prescribed new glasses to improve his vision.

Teybah Ahmad, an optometrist at Specsavers Barnstaple, reflected on the experience: "After referring Harry to A&E and hearing about his journey, I was instantly relieved. Knowing I had acted in my patient’s best interest gave me immense satisfaction. Harry’s case is one of many that highlight the importance of regular eye tests, whether or not symptoms are present. A number of general health conditions, as well as ocular issues, can be detected through routine check-ups. Optometrists are trained to be highly vigilant and professional, and with advancing technology such as the OCT, we can perform in-depth eye examinations to help detect and manage serious eye and health conditions."