“An eye exam saved our family”

Hanna Ganderton’s genetic condition was picked up at the University’s Centre for Eyecare Excellence
Neil Millen and Hanna Ganderton at the Centre for Eyecare Excellence

“An eye exam saved our family”

Hanna Ganderton’s genetic condition was picked up at the University’s Centre for Eyecare Excellence

A University of Plymouth optician has been praised for spotting a rare genetic condition at a routine eye appointment. 
Neil Millen saw 21-year-old Hanna Ganderton during the contact lens exam at the Centre for Eyecare Excellence and noticed a grey ring in each of her eyes.
The rings are a sign of arcus juvenilus, which can affect people aged 40 or under and often signals high cholesterol, so Neil recommended Hanna to have a blood test to confirm.  
The tests showed that Hanna has familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a genetic disorder that can cause severely high cholesterol and potentially lead to early onset cardiovascular disease. Hanna has now been put onto statins to help manage the condition, and her family are all being checked to see if and how it is passed on.
Hanna and her mum, Maria, are now encouraging more people to get their eyes tested as eye health is only part of the story. 

It’s amazing to think an eye care appointment has now led to this diagnosis that I would have never otherwise known I had.

I hadn’t expected it at all as I don’t fit the usual lifestyle factors associated with high cholesterol, but I’m so glad I followed Neil’s advice and got tested. 
Finding out about it has enabled myself and close family members to start statin treatment and greatly reduce the associated risks of FH. Neil has changed my life and potentially saved it, and I think it really highlights the importance of going to the opticians.
Hanna Ganderton

We are forever grateful to Neil’s discovery as he’s essentially saved our family.

This early detection will make a difference for Hanna’s life, as well as the next generation of our family, and we really appreciate the role that CEE played in her diagnosis. 
It’s amazing how much optometrists can detect during routine examinations, and this is also a great reminder of how important regular eye checks are.

Maria GandertonDr Maria Ganderton
Hanna's mum, who also works at the University of Plymouth

Neil works in one of several clinics run by the Centre for Eyecare Excellence, and the University is preparing to open a new, expanded CEE on its city centre campus this autumn.
The new CEE will offer more appointments to the public, delivered by students under supervision, alongside specialist clinics.   

I’m really happy to have been able to help Hanna.

Any eye health appointment can reveal issues, and the earlier conditions are found, the more opportunity there is to refer patients for treatment. 
We have always been very much rooted in our community here in Plymouth, so we’re excited to welcome even more patients thanks to the upcoming expansion.
Please just drop us a line to find out more about what we do and how we can help.
Neil Millen
Optician at the University of Plymouth's Centre for Eyecare Excellence
 
 

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