An opticians has helped to bring some festive cheer to nine-year-old Alfie Barney who was diagnosed with a condition earlier this year which could have been life-threatening.

As part of an initiative run by Specsavers, Swadlincote schoolboy Alfie was presented with a PlayStation 5 by the team at the Ashby de la Zouch branch.

Alfie's optometrist, Adnan Nawaz, was there to hand over the games console.

The youngster was nominated for a special festive treat after he came in to the store for a routine eye test last February.

During the eye examination, Adnan noticed the nerves at the back of his eyes were raised, and coupled with the headaches he had been complaining about, knew it needed further investigation.

A trip to Leicester Royal Infirmary confirmed a case of bilateral papilloedema, a neurological condition that is caused by increased intracranial pressure.

To resolve the issue, Alfie underwent lumbar puncture treatment to help relieve the swelling on his brain.

Ashby optician makes a potentially life saving find.

"It was a scary time for us all and it happened so quickly," said Catherine Sherriff, Alfie's mum.

"It was a routine eye test so to leave the store being told we needed to go to hospital was completely unexpected.

"I can't praise Specsavers enough though, Adnan was so reassuring and made sure we knew what was happening.

"For Alfie to now be given a PlayStation is just brilliant.

"He's had quite a few hospital appointments this year while they've monitored things so it's lovely that the team thought he deserved a treat. He's so grateful as we saw from his reaction – it was a total surprise!

"We'd like to say thank you again to Specsavers Ashby for thinking of Alfie."

Kuljinder Bains, store director at Specsavers Ashby, added: 'We've got to know Alfie and his family pretty well and thought he was the perfect person to nominate.

"The look on his face when he opened his present was wonderful. It's great that there was a positive outcome for him and it goes to show how important routine eye tests are.

"It's nice to be able to give something back, especially at this time of year and with the impacts still being felt from the ongoing pandemic. We hope Alfie and his family have a lovely Christmas."

In line with guidance from the NHS, Specsavers is keeping safety measures in place, including the wearing of face coverings, unless there is a medical exemption.

This includes maintaining social distancing in stores, continuing to use PPE and sanitising all testing

equipment and frames before and after each use. Doors will be kept open whenever possible to improve ventilation and although card payments are still preferred, cash payments will be accepted too. Specsavers will also continue to operate its Ask The Expert chat function on its website and its RemoteCare service, which enable customers to speak to an expert from the comfort of their home via video call or phone. For more information or to book an appointment, call 01530 410790 or click HERE.