Student Jacob Evans has been inspired to become an optician after an eye examination helped to save his grandmother’s life.

Jacob, of Mansfield, is in the second year of an optometry course at university after beginning his career with Specsavers in Sutton.

Before he joined the store Jacob’s grandmother, Marlene White, was diagnosed with a rare internal carotid cavernous fistula and had to have urgent hospital treatment to save the sight of her eye — and possibly her life, if the condition had gone untreated for too long.

So, when it came to choosing a career, Jacob was drawn to optometry partly because of the incident with his grandmother.

“Saving people’s lives isn’t the kind of thing you do in most jobs and I thought if I could do that just once in my career, then I would be happy,” he said.

“And being able to do that for someone else after it was done for me and my family would be incredibly rewarding.”

Marlene, of Sutton, went into the store for a check-up after suffering from blurred vision and aching eyes.

Optometrist Sunny Boyal, optician director, noticed the white of her eye was inflamed with fluid, and she had a droopy eyelid that was turned inwards.

“I referred her to hospital as an emergency and she had to have a long operation that same day,” says Sunny. “I was later told the lead consultant had just retired and had come into the hospital to collect his personal belongings that day, and was asked to assist with the operation.

“Had he not been in the hospital, I believe Marlene would not be here today. Our urgent referral and the doctors at the hospital saved her life that day — she is a very lucky lady.”

A cavernous carotid fistula happens when there is an abnormal connection between the carotid arteries and the veins just behind the eyes. This causes a build-up of blood pressure in the eye and can result in a loss of vision and, ultimately, a loss of sight in that eye.

When Jacob began his new job as an optical assistant at Specsavers Sutton, Sunny was on sabbatical but, when he returned, Jacob introduced himself, saying: ‘You don’t know me, but you saved my grandmother’s life, and I wanted to say thank you for that.’

Jacob particularly discovered a love for the clinical side of the job, often asking optometrists questions about scans and conditions they were dealing with.

“I was especially fascinated by immunology and during my breaks would spend time reading up about it,” he added.

“When Sunny noticed my interest, he suggested I should look into qualifying as an optician.”

Sunny said it was unusual to see someone reading a heavy textbook on immunology.

“Jacob was totally invested in this book, curious as always,” he added. “He completed the book within a week and was able to have a deep discussion about infections and the healing capability of the eye.

“Thats is what prompted us to plant the seeds about a career in optometry.

“We will be supporting Jacob’s development once he’s graduated, and when he moves forward on to his pre-reg year. He will be a true asset to Specsavers and our community.”

Jacob, who is now in his second year at Bradford University, added: “My grandmother thinks it’s great that I’m doing this. She often popped by the store to see myself and the other staff when I was there.”

This year Specsavers Sutton is participating in charity walks for Macmillan’s cancer work and Crisis’s community homeless outreach support.