Larne father’s sight saved thanks to swift action by local optometrist

Philip Campbell with optometrist Darren Caulfield of Specsavers Larne

A Larne father has spoken of how his local optometrist saved his sight after he endured years of painful corneal ulcers, as a new campaign highlights that more than half of all sight loss is preventable.

Philip Campbell, a 40-year-old father of two, first experienced the agony of a corneal ulcer seven years ago during a stressful work period. Spending long hours in front of a screen as an accountant, he woke one morning with watery eyes, light sensitivity, and severe pain.

His local optometrist quickly referred him to hospital, where he was diagnosed with microbial keratitis and given urgent treatment.

“They had to take a sample. You’d be surprised how you can keep your eye open, and still, when there’s a scalpel coming towards it,” Philip recalled.

“I had to close all blinds in the house and keep my eyes closed for nearly a week. I couldn’t even look at a computer screen or TV, the pain was too much. It did resolve, but they kept reoccurring roughly every 6 months, particularly during busy, stressful periods.”

Over the years, Philip endured repeated episodes, initially linked to contact lens use, before specialists concluded that blepharitis — blocked tear ducts — was the main problem. He now follows a nightly routine with a heated eye mask and massages to reduce flare-ups.

“I haven’t had another corneal ulcer in over 9 months now, my longest stretch in those 7 years. Thankfully the ulcers have all been on the outside of my iris, but if one occurs at the front, directly over my pupil, you can be left with permanent sight loss due to the scarring,” he explained.

Philip credits his optometrist, Darren Caulfield of Specsavers Larne, for swift and effective care.

“I’m incredibly grateful for Darren in Specsavers Larne for making every effort to make sure I could be seen and treated as quickly as possible.”

Optometrists stepping up during National Health Week

Philip’s story is being shared during National Health Week (22–28 September), as part of a campaign led by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Optometry NI.

The two organisations are urging people to prioritise regular eye tests, warning that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime, but over 50 per cent of cases could be avoided with early intervention.

As part of the campaign, the Big Spectacle Relay — featuring a giant pair of yellow spectacles — is travelling around Northern Ireland before arriving at Stormont on Tuesday 23 September to highlight the vital role optometrists play.

Brian McKeown, Chair of Optometry Northern Ireland, said:

“The aim of the Big Spectacle Relay is to raise awareness of the need for timely eye care. There are lots of people out there in the community who don’t get their eyes tested.

“Our hope is that this campaign might catch parents who say, ‘kids, let’s go and get your eyes tested now you’re back to school,’ or ‘I really should get checked out, it’s been a while’. That’s the whole premise. There is support in costs of eye tests and glasses. Look after your eyes, they’re the only set you’ve got.”

Supporting NHS services locally

Optometrist Darren Caulfield stressed the importance of accessible local services:

“We are delighted to be able to offer an urgent care service for all patients who may have concerns regarding a sudden change to their vision. With the increased pressures placed on GPs and local health services we are pleased to offer this local service to help ease their burden and provide a quick and simple pathway for patients to be seen.”

How to get support

Anyone affected by sight loss, or with concerns about their eye health, can access support through RNIB by visiting rnib.org.uk/NorthernIreland or calling the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Donations to support the Big Spectacle Relay can be made via JustGiving by searching BigSpectacleRelay.