A GP's Practice Manager from Catrine has described how her local optician's fast response helped her avoid a stroke or a heart attack.

Irene Irving was at work in the practice in Auchinleck when her vision suddenly deteriorated. She found she couldn't focus properly on her computer screen.

Without a word to her colleagues Irene walked out and headed to directly to Firstsight Opticians across the road.

"Although there was no pain, I knew something was seriously wrong and I needed attention right away," Irene said.

"I was in so much of a rush to get treatment I even left my phone on my desk."

Optician Annette Halnan examined Irene immediately and diagnosed her with a TIA, a form of a mini stroke.

While Irene's colleagues began searching for her, Annette phoned Crosshouse Hospital to relay her fears to medical staff.

Irene's sister then drove her to the hospital where blood samples were taken.

"My blood pressure was through the roof by now and the tests showed my platelet levels were extremely high," Irene recalled.

"It meant there was a very high risk of me suffering a stroke or heart attack."

Irene was allowed to return home with aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots. By now she was in pain.

A month later she was called for an emergency appointment in the haematology department where tests showed she was suffering from blood cancer. She's now on chemotherapy pills for the rest of her life.

The 63-year-old grandmother continues to be monitored regularly at hospital and by Firstsight.

Irene added: "I've not been well enough to go back to work and I need to provide blood samples every two weeks.

"I can't thank Annette enough for everything she has done for me.

"If she hadn't acted as quickly, I would only have discovered what was wrong with me after suffering a stroke or heart attack, if I survived."

Incredibly, an MRI scan showed that Irene had suffered a similar TIA in the past without realising it.

"I'm relieved it was spotted this time by Annette," she added.