Andrew McKenna visited his local Specsavers in Morpeth after his GP recommended he get his sight tested to determine the source of his continual headaches.

Optometrist Graeme Ochtman was concerned with what he saw, so he referred the 20-year-old manufacturing engineer to hospital.

After undergoing tests, it was confirmed that he had a cyst which was putting pressure on his eyes — a condition that when untreated can result in loss of sight and even death.

He underwent surgery at Newcastle General three days later and has since made a full recovery.

Mr McKenna said: "I had been getting bad headaches so I went to the doctor. He said he thought it was migraines but he told me to go and get an eye test just to be sure.

"I went to my local Specsavers and they told me that there was swelling at the back of my eyes and that I should go to the hospital straight away.

"Since my operation everything is fine. I have to go back to hospital for memory tests and I have an MRI scan in three months but I'm feeling much better.

"I would recommend to anyone who is suffering from headaches to get their sight checked. It could be more serious than you think.

"I'm so glad I went to Specsavers, they really helped me and I'm very grateful."

Mr Ochtman, who is also the store Director at Morpeth Specsavers, said: "Andrew's sight was perfect but upon inspection of the optic discs I noticed they were swollen, which immediately suggests inter-cranial pressure.

"I've only seen one other similar case in 25 years. It's quite rare but potentially very serious so we're all very glad that Andrew is doing well and that we could help."