A Penarth man has spoken about his experiences at Penarth Specsavers to raise awareness of urgent eye health services.

Specsavers has launched a campaign to encourage people to visit their optician first when faced with sudden eye problems, rather than contacting other NHS services.

This initiative comes after YouGov research found that 64 per cent of adults in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan would not go to an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem.

Ian Beatty, a 58-year-old health and safety manager, discovered a floater in his eye in September.

He phoned Specsavers Penarth, who recognised the urgency of his symptoms and advised him to come into the store immediately.

Mr Beatty was seen by optometrist Molly Feltham, who identified a retinal tear.

He was referred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further investigation, where he underwent laser surgery on his eye that same afternoon.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr Beatty said: "The team at Specsavers Penarth immediately recognised that I required urgent care.

"I can’t praise Molly enough.

"She treated me with care and understanding and saved my vision from deteriorating further."

Specsavers has partnered with Côr Meibion Bro Glyndŵr Choir, based in Denbighshire, to help spread this message.

The choir has recorded a specially written song, which will be released across social media, encouraging people to take action at the first sign of eye trouble.

The campaign was launched after a Penarth man shared his story of how turning to his optician first led to urgent surgical treatment, helping to protect his vision.

Michael Bradbury, lead clinical performance consultant for Specsavers in Wales, said: "By offering immediate eye health services, we can help reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales, especially as demand for these services starts to build as we approach the winter flu season.

"Specsavers is here to provide fast and effective care, ensuring people receive the help they need, when they need it, and before their condition worsens."

Specsavers urges anyone in Wales experiencing sudden eye-related symptoms to call their local store for an urgent eye health check.