A TEENAGER’S sight has been saved after a chance trip to the opticians, where it was discovered she had a hole in her retina.

Cherelle Richard, 19, was shopping in Colchester town centre with her dad when he went for an appointment and told her to have a check too.

Opticians found a rare abnormality.

She was immediately referred to Essex County Hospital’s eye department after the scan of her left eye and medics gave her emergency treatment.

That evening Cherelle, of Parsons Heath, Colchester, underwent a three-hour laser treatment operation to seal the hole in her retina.

She will return next week to the hospital to check everything is clear.

See Friday's Gazette for more