A PORTHCAWL optician is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of glaucoma during National Eye Health Week (September 22 – 29), after seeing first-hand how the condition has affected his grandfather’s life.
For Tawana Nyakupinda (24), an optometrist at Specsavers Porthcawl, the importance of early detection is personal. His grandfather was diagnosed with late-stage glaucoma during a routine sight test at Specsavers.
Mr Nyakupinda said: “Watching my grandfather lose his vision was incredibly difficult. By the time he was diagnosed at 71 years old, the damage to his optic nerve was already significant, and it has had a huge impact on his quality of life.
“Things that used to be easy for him are now much more difficult – like getting out and about or driving at nighttime. If glaucoma had been detected earlier, this could have been prevented.
“His experience inspired me to become an optometrist. I wanted to be part of the solution, helping people preserve their sight and quality of life.”
According to Glaucoma UK, between 2015 and 2035, the number of people living with glaucoma in the UK is expected to increase by 44%. Often symptomless in its early stages, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss – but with regular eye tests it can be detected early and managed effectively.
Mr Nyakupinda joined Specsavers Porthcawl three years ago as a pre-registration optometrist, where he trained under the supervision of store directors Claire Edwards, Louise Whiffin and Paul Morris, before fully qualifying in January 2025.
He added: “Glaucoma often develops without obvious symptoms, so every sight test is a chance for early detection and to raise awareness of the condition.
“Booking in for a quick and simple check every couple of years – or more often if you’re at higher risk – could protect you from serious long-term consequences like avoidable sight loss.”
Mr Nyakupinda’s grandfather, Alfred (81), who continues to live with glaucoma, is also keen to urge others not to delay check-ups.
He said: “Glaucoma has changed my life – I’ve lost a lot of independence, and everyday tasks are much harder now. If I had gone for an eye test sooner, it might have been picked up earlier.
“I would urge anyone, especially those with a family history of eye problems, to get their eyes tested regularly.”
Despite glaucoma being one of the most common eye conditions, awareness remains low. Research commissioned by Specsavers found that 51% of people in Wales only vaguely knew the signs and symptoms, while 26% knew the name but nothing else about the condition.
Specsavers Porthcawl is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Porthcawl, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit the Specsavers Porthcawl webpage.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
