Mike Van Heerden, 58, from Bromley, has credited a recent visit to Boots Opticians Bexleyheath with saving his eyesight.
Originally born in South Africa, Mike moved to Bromley where he now resides with his wife of 32 years and three kids.
Passionate about his health and wellbeing, Mike works in the fitness industry and enjoys playing golf and travelling in his spare time, which was one day put into jeopardy when he started experiencing eyesight issues.
Mike said: “It all started when I randomly experienced a sudden onset of bright lights, cobwebs and dots in my left eye on one Saturday.
“Within days, the floaters increased dramatically and something didn’t feel right so I contacted Bexleyheath Boots Opticians. They booked me in straight away—and it’s a good thing they did.
“During their Ultimate Eye Test, which includes an optomap eye scan, they discovered a large retinal detachment. The team informed me that I needed urgent treatment, and they arranged an emergency consultation with a retinal surgeon.”
Receiving the news, both Mike and the team at Boots Opticians knew they had to act quickly to save Mike’s eyesight. Being a fitness fanatic and a dad of three, Mike knew he was unable to cope without being able to see.
He added: “I underwent laser surgery that very evening, and thankfully, I’m now on the road to recovery.
“Without the advanced technology and the team’s swift action, I could have lost my eyesight. I’m incredibly grateful to Boots Opticians for helping save my vision.”
Mehul Patel, who is the store manager for Bexleyheath’s Boots Opticians, has seen firsthand the critical impact Boots Opticians Ultimate Eye Test can have.
Patel said: “Boots Opticians Ultimate Eye Test allows optometrists to capture up to 82% of the retina in a single painless and non-invasive photograph, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s eye health.
“Examples such as Mike’s story show just how critical these tests can be in building a picture of your eye health and ensuring that if there is a problem, you can get the correct treatment as quickly as possible.”
All Boots Opticians offer eyesight support to cater all needs and with 535 stores across the UK, you’re never far away from a Boots Opticians.
NHS appointments are available in store for eligible customers and all opticians have a wide range of services accessible, including myopia management services for children as well as routine eye tests for all ages.
To find out more about Boots Opticians, please visit here where you can find more details of the optomap scan, available in selected stores across the UK
