StemCell Therapy

A SCOTTISH Santa Claus has amazingly had his vision saved - after discovering he couldn't read names of children on his list anymore.

Veteran Father Christmas James Marshall couldn't believe he wasn't on the nice list after discovering he was struggling to see the names of the kids visiting his grotto.

2

The 55-year-old from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, has been warming the hearts of many for the past ten years by attending events across Scotland as Santa and raising money for charity.

But he was stunned when he was diagnosed with Glaucoma after he decided to pay the opticians a visit - which could've resulted in him losing his sight.

The Scot booked his Specsavers appointment after thinking he would need a new pair of glasses because of his struggles to carry out his Santa duties.

It was during the visit, that optometrist director Douglas Waugh spotted something unusual during Mr Marshalls sight test and referred him to University Hospital Wishaw where he was diagnosed with an advanced form of Glaucoma in both eyes.

2

James said: "The whole situation was a shock to the system. Ive worn glasses for more than 30 years but I had no idea there was anything really problematic with my sight.

"I suffered a stroke when I was 32 so whenever Ive experienced a blind spot, Id always put it down to that. There wasnt any symptoms or pain, just an occasional blurriness.

"I only began to notice it more when trying to read the names of children aloud during one of my grotto visits.

"I even remember asking one of my elves to help out at one point so just thought I needed to get a new pair of glasses.

"However, the visit to Specsavers and the test carried out by Douglas just showed me how much sight I had lost due to the condition."

The condition also impacted James other job as a hospital catering manager which he was unable to continue working at due to the potential hazards caused by his reduced sight.

He added: "The whole experience was life-changing and the damage done to my eyes was irreversible.

"I need to regularly take eye drops to prevent the glaucoma from getting any worse and need to visit the hospital so they can monitor the condition, but its a price Im willing to pay.

"Im incredibly grateful to the prompt and professional care I received from the team at Specsavers, things could have been monumentally worse.

"If the condition hadnt been spotted, theres a chance I would have lost sight in both of my eyes."

BUY US GIFTS Unemployed couple with 7 kids launch GoFundMe appeal for Xmas presents

Exclusive

'BIGOT' RANT Celtic probe physio over 'f*** the huns' trophy pic after Betfred Cup win

WORLD'S BEST BOSS Moment generous boss awards his 200 workers 8MILLION Christmas bonus

Exclusive

SLASH SHOCK Shocking pics show victim's horror wounds after slashing in Scots library

Exclusive

HOOD'S PAD FIRE Murdered Edinburgh gangster's home torched 'to dodge 500k crime cash bill'

SCOTTISH SUN SAYS SNP leg-up for Corbyn to get No10 keys is a grubby alliance we can't back

In the spirit of the Christmas season, James is now hoping to share his story and give others an opportunity to get their eyes checked to check vision and other health conditions.

Often symptomless in its early stages, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss.

Mr Waugh, Store director in Specsavers Bellshill, said: "Jamess case, although rare, is an example of just how vital it is to go for a regular eye test.

"We recommend getting your eyes checked every two years as they can detect various health conditions, not just changes in prescription.

"We are very glad to hear that Jamess is doing well and were thrilled to have invited him along to our big Christmas light switch on to truly make our towns Christmas feel magical."

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us atscoop@thesun.co.ukor call0141 420 5300

See more here:
Bellshill Santa has his eyesight saved after struggling to read kids names on his list - The Scottish Sun

This entry was posted on December 11, 2019 at 11:46 pm and is filed under Eye Sight & Vision. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |