A ROWLEY Regis mum is encouraging people to get their eyes checked after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour after visiting her local optician.

Mum-of-one Laura Connelly's doctor suggested she make an appointment for an eye test as she was experiencing severe headaches and double vision.

Optician, Aisha Rahman, at Specsavers Blackheath carried out the test, which suggested both of Laura’s optic nerves were swollen.

Aisha said: "I urgently referred her to City Hospital in Birmingham.

"While I knew it was important that Laura was seen quickly, I was keen not to worry her."

Laura was seen at hospital the same day where she had scans which were sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Laura said: "It was the surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth who told me I had a brain tumour after examining my MRI scan, and that he thought it was cancerous. I was shocked and immediately thought about my daughter, Evie, who was only one at the time."

Two weeks later, Laura underwent a successful six-and-a-half hour operation to remove the tumour.

Laura said: "I told the surgeon he had the “hands of god” and that he’d saved my life."

Six weeks of radiotherapy followed and now she has monthly chemotherapy in tablet form which will last for a year.

Laura said: "Now I get to see my daughter grow up. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your eyes checked, I’ll be encouraging everyone I know to do it regularly."

Aisha said: "I’d echo what Laura says about making sure you have regular eye checks, and also if you notice any changes in your vision. There can be an underlying issue that needs to be investigated. The earlier that happens the better as treatment is more likely to be successful.

"We wish Laura all the very best with her ongoing recovery.’