Dementia man could have lost sight due to week-long wait
Optician praised for going ‘above and beyond’ to help dementia sufferer
AMAN with dementia may have been saved from going blind by an optician after he was told he could wait a week to get a GP appointment in the current lockdown.
Willie Grieve’s wife Morag called the doctor after he told her he could see ‘tadpoles’ in his field of vision.
She was particularly concerned because Willie, who suffers from vascular dementia and diabetes, had suffered a brain haemorrhage a few years previously which had caused him to lose his sight in his right eye.
The couple, who live in Thornliebank, were told they might have to wait a week for an appointment, so Morag called her local optician, who had tested her husband’s eyes a few years previously.
She called Specsavers at Glasgow Fort and Willie was assessed in a video call by Catriona Pinkerton, who is trained in working with people who have dementia.
She suspected he had suffered a suspected diabetic retinal haemorrhage, which was confirmed after tests at Gartnavel General hospital by an ophthalmologist.
He was given laser treatment to disperse the haemorrhage, which could have left his without any sight, and now has clear vision in his left eye.
Morag said: “Communicating with Willie and trying to determine
RANGERS legend Ally McCoist hit back at a disgruntled follower on Instagram.
The Gers star had posted a black box on his profile as part of #BlackOutTuesday in solidarity with George Floyd who was killed by a police officer in the US. how long he had been experiencing the problems with his vision was difficult due to his dementia.
“My husband lost the sight in his right eye a number of years ago following a brain haemorrhage, so I knew I couldn’t take any risks as the symptoms sounded similar.
“Willie compared the floating objects to a tadpole which immediately caused concern. “Losing the vision in his left eye would have left Willie completely blind – I couldn’t take any chances.”
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can
A comment on the post from an irritated follower reads:
“Lee Rigby? Beheaded by a black man in broad daylight carrying a machete?
“Did you put up a cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.
Specsavers worker Catriona said: “I’m really pleased to hear that treatment has gone well for Willie and that he is resting and recovering now.
“It goes to show just how important it is that optometrists remain available for essential and emergency eyecare services.”
Morag added: “Cat went and above and beyond, securing a hospital appointment there and then which ultimately saved my husband’s sight.
“Willie’s laser treatment is now complete and he’s expected to make a full recovery.”
white screen then, Ally? “Memory lapse and very hypocritical. All lives matter.” The former Gers manager replied: “Hi Paul. No I didn’t as I wasn’t on any form of social media.
“Again you’re spot on, all lives do matter.
“Incidentally, you probably aren’t aware (nor should you be), but we have been involved in a few charity fundraisers for Lee and I have had the pleasure of meeting his family.
“Cheers.”