To all the staff at Newark and especially the optometrist who checked me over, I give my heartfelt thanks for the prompt attention I was given. This may have saved my quality of life if not my life itself.

Just before the new year I had an episode where I temporarily lost sight in my right eye. After a prompt examination I was advised to attend the A and E dept at Mansfield without delay. You gave me a letter to give to the doctor on arrival and I was again examined and referred to the TIA clinic just after the new year.

On attending the TIA clinic at Mansfield and having tests, I was told I needed an operation asap and was directed to the QMC at Nottingham that same day. The very next morning I had a carotid endarterectomy on my right carotid artery and have now recovered well with no signs of a stroke, mild or otherwise.

Had it not been for my son insisting I phoned you and your prompt diagnosis of the possible cause, I would have no doubt had a major stroke.

I thank you all again and will see you in due course.