A BURNHAM-on-Sea man is still alive today thanks to the quick actions of an optician who managed to detect the signs of an artery blockage.

ROBERT Reading, 62, had been suffering from dizzy spells, episodes of temporary blurred vision and had experienced four blackouts when his daughter, Leah Reading, insisted he take an eye test.

Rama Venkat, an optician at Specsavers on High Street, urgently examined Mr Reading's eyes and spotted there was a problem and urgently referred him to his GP for treatment.

"I felt it was my professional duty to examine Mr Reading as soon as possible," Mr Venkat said.

"I tested him urgently as an extra patient at the end of my long day.

"I performed a dilated eye examination and used a Volk lens to examine the retina of Mr Reading’s’ eyes.

"During the examination I noticed significant narrowing of the blood vessels of the retina of M Reading, which prompted me to take immediate action."

Just days after seeing his GP Mr Reading was referred to Musgrove Park Hospital for an ultrasound which revealed there was a blockage in the carotid artery that transported blood to his eye and brain.

The 62-year-old was admitted for a life-saving operation where the artery cut with a laser and clamped.

A stent was also inserted into the artery to prevent the blockage spreading into his brain. The surgeons had commented that carotid artery blockage, if untreated, could lead to serious conditions such as a stroke and sudden loss of vision.

Left untreated, Mr Reading could have lost his sight and even his life.

"The prompt action from Rama Venkat was undoubtedly a huge factor in my speedy diagnosis and treatment, and for that I would be most grateful," Mr Reading said.

"I am now 90 per cent recovered thanks to the care and attention I received from Rama and the hospital, which meant the blockage in my carotid artery was picked up in time to be treated.

"I also had a slight blockage on the left side but that was treated with medication.

"My experience has shown how right she was in telling me about the importance of an eye examination in checking so much more than just your eye sight."

Mr Reading's daughter, Leah, who works at Specsavers, said the optician's quick thing saved her dad's life.

"I can’t thank Rama enough," Leah said.

"Without his insistence on an immediate eye test, our story could have ended very differently.

"I always knew how important an eye test was from my experience working at Specsavers Burnham-on-Sea but now I have personal experience."

For more information or to make an appointment, visit the store at 3 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea or call 01278 765460.