A ROUTINE eye test may have saved the sight – and the life – of a young Teignmouth woman.

Jasmin Harris, 19, went for a test at the Teignmouth branch of Specsavers, and their state-of-the-art equipment spotted a serious eye problem.

Store director and optometrist Simon Simmonds immediately sent her to Torbay Hospital for further tests, and eventually it was discovered she was suffering from a rare condition, benign intracranial pressure.

Undiagnosed and untreated, it could have resulted in blindness, and even death.

Jasmin, a former Teignmouth Community College student, is still having treatment, and hopes to be eventually well enough to return to college to study child care.

'I am so grateful to Specsavers – they probably saved my life,' said Jasmin.

She began suffering severe headaches and other symptoms including loss of balance, blurred vision, and tinnitus, last year, but hoped it would pass.

A test at another opticians proved negative.

But boyfriend Derek Burt urged her to seek a second opinion, so she made an appointment at Specsavers in Bank Street.

Mr Simmonds carried out the 40-minute test, and among the equipment used was a £15,000 Japanese Fundas camera, which takes highly detailed pictures of the back of the inside of the eye. It is the only camera of its kind in Teignmouth, and one of the first in the country.

He was concerned to see that the optic nerve was raised with enlarged blind spots. He ensured she was admitted to hospital the same day. Jasmin was kept in for a week for CT and MRI scans, as well as two lumbar punctures.

The condition, which affects only one in 100,000 people, is caused by a build up of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain, which puts pressure on the brain and eyes.

Jasmin added: 'I was a bit worried when Simon said there could be a problem, but also very relieved that it had at last been spotted and something could be done about it.

'Living with the constant pain and other symptoms was awful, but what is more scary is that if I hadn't gone to Specsavers, I could have died. I would recommend anybody to get a second opinion if they are not entirely convinced, as it could save their life.

'I still have bad days, but the treatment at the hospital is slowly working, and I know I am now in safe hands. Although I may never make make a complete recovery, the condition can at least be managed.'

Simon added: 'We are glad to have helped Jasmin, and hope this case highlights the importance of regular eye exams.

'Opticians can spot the early signs of a wide range of conditions, including brain tumours.

'The optic nerve transmits signals from the eye to the brain, so any condition that affects it can be very serious.

'Tests are free for many people, and the most anybody will pay is £20, and there is no pressure here to buy spectacles from us.

'Sometimes people can just walk in from the street without an appointment, but it is always better to book.'