Wayne Pope, a 44-year-old ex-serviceman from Bridgwater, Somerset, had no idea a routine eye appointment would alter his life so dramatically. During a visit to Specsavers, an additional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan revealed subtle abnormalities in his eyes. This advanced 3D imaging technique showed unusual blood vessel patterns, prompting further medical investigations.
Subsequent tests at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Musgrove Hospital confirmed Wayne’s diagnosis: retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease affecting just 3% of the UK population. This condition leads to night blindness, difficulty adapting to changes in lighting, reduced colour vision, and narrow peripheral sight, all of which progressively worsen.
“I’d always thought my vision was fine, especially after my years serving in the navy and working in security,” Wayne explains. “But right there, my world was turned upside down.”
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The diagnosis meant Wayne could no longer drive and was officially registered as blind. He recalls the emotional moment in 2022: “I asked if I could still drive, but the answer was clear. I put my car keys on the table for the last time. I was in tears, unsure of what the future held.”
Despite the initial shock, Wayne found renewed hope. With the support of his wife and the charity Blind Veterans UK, which provides rehabilitation and assistance for visually impaired veterans, he pursued new goals. One aspiration is to run the London Marathon alongside fellow veterans in 2026.
Thanks to specialised tinted glasses fitted through Specsavers, Wayne now manages his vision more effectively, reducing distortion and making daily activities easier. His determination inspired a fundraising campaign, including events organized by the Bridgwater Specsavers team. Wayne recently completed the Worthing 10k, raising over £2,500 for Blind Veterans UK, with additional funds raised through raffles and community events.
“The support from Specsavers and local businesses has been incredible,” Wayne says. “They’ve helped me adapt and motivated me to keep moving forward. These glasses have made a huge difference in accepting my condition and living my life.”
Annabelle Jones, administrator at Specsavers Bridgwater, praises Wayne’s resilience: “He’s truly inspirational. Despite the ups and downs, he’s stronger than ever and using his journey to help others.”
Thanks to the early detection provided by the high-tech OCT scan in a community setting, Wayne’s diagnosis came at a time when interventions and support could make a real impact on his future. “Without that scan, I wouldn’t have known,” he reflects. “Now, I’m focused on what I can do. This condition won’t beat me.”