A HARWICH optician may well have saved a customer's life after spotting skin cancer systems while carrying out an eye test.

Patricia Free, 85, visited Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care in High Street after feeling dissatisfied with her previous optician.

Little did she know, the visit would end up saving much more than the cost of new prescription glasses.

Eagle-eyed optician Maria Tariq, who previously worked in a hospital eye clinic, spotted a lesion on Patricia’s eyelid before seeing the symptoms of skin cancer.

Maria said: “When I questioned Mrs Free, she had been told by a pharmacist that it was a rash due to not drying her face properly. 

“I could tell right away this was far more sinister and needed urgent attention.  I immediately referred her to the hospital where she received the diagnosis. 

“The good news is, of all the cancers this is the least threatening as it only spreads locally.”

Patricia, who was successfully treated for cervical cancer five years ago, is now due for eyelid surgery next month.

Despite her nerves, she is pleased the cancer was detected before it impacted her vision.

Patricia added: “I was really surprised when Maria asked me about my lesion as I hadn’t mentioned it and had tried to cover it up with make-up. 

"I am so grateful for everything Scrivens Opticians has done for me and would urge anyone to make sure they have regular eye tests – they can reveal so much more about your health than you think.”

Like Patricia, Scrivens is also celebrating its 85th anniversary this year and the branch team was delighted to be able to surprise her with a bouquet of flowers to mark each other’s milestone.

Patricia added: “I was very surprised to have been presented with such a lovely bouquet – they really brightened up my day after what has been a challenging time.”

Scrivens recommends adults should get their eyes tested every two years, even if they don’t need glasses, and over 70s and children under 16 should have their eyes tested annually.