A Bradford optician saved a man's life when she spotted a brain tumour during a routine eye test.

Victor Noicely, 43, had gone for his first check-up for almost 30 years after starting to suffer from severe headaches.

He thought they might be being caused by eye strain but he was staggered to be told by optician Pam Croasdell that he showed all the signs of a possible brain tumour.

After carrying out a full eye examination, she urged the father-of-five - who works in Heckmondwike - to contact his GP immediately for an urgent examination.

Her diagnosis was confirmed and within half an hour Mr Noicely, a personal credit manager, was referred to the Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, for a brain scan which revealed the tumour.

He was immediately transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he had surgery to remove the brain tumour.

Doctors at the hospital described the tumour as big and aggressive. They said without surgery he would have gone blind within a matter of weeks and, if left untreated, it could have killed him.

Mr Noicely said today: "My wife and I couldn't believe it when we found out I had a tumour.

"I owe Pam my life. If it wasn't for her expertise I would almost certainly be blind or, even worse, not here at all."

After a five day recovery period Mr Noicely is now back at work at Greenwood Personal Credit in Heckmondwike and has made a full recovery, though he has to attend hospital for regular scans to monitor his condition.

Mrs Croasdell, who works at Specsavers in Girlington, said she was delighted at his recovery.

"Victor's case demonstrates the need for regular eye examinations, not only to detect poor eyesight but also a whole list of problems including haemorrhaging, glaucoma and even tumours. Helping him save his sight is the biggest reward I could ask for," she said.

Telegraph & Argus medical columnist Dr Tom Smith also urged people to have regular eye tests and recommended that people over 50 have checks every three years although people who have a family history of eye conditions should have their eyes tested every year.

"It is very easy for an optometrist to identify problems and, as this case proves, early detection can save eyesight," he said.

A survey by the Royal National Institution for the Blind has revealed that fewer than half of the population take the correct steps to preserve their sight by having regular check-ups.

Mr Noicely's wife Joan, 37, said she will now ensure that all her family, of Fartown, Huddersfield, receive regular testing.

"Victor's eye test was free because his family has a history of glaucoma but the cost of an eye test is only £14 and you can't put a price on your eyesight," she said.