Former Birmingham Dragon’s Den contestant suffers sight loss following care failings

A former Dragon's Den contestant with a serious eye condition lost part of her sight after doctors failed to investigate her symptoms.

Noora Lewis and her legal team at Irwin Mitchell are speaking out to raise awareness of giant cell arteritis, a condition which can cause permanent sight loss if not treated urgently.

It comes after the former make-up entrepreneur, from Birmingham, reported symptoms of the condition including headaches, jaw ache, tender temples and pain on the right side of her face.

However, following appointments at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre and City Hospital, the 63-year-old was not diagnosed with giant cell arteritis.

Noora began to lose her vision before being diagnosed with giant cell arteritis nearly four months after seeking medical advice.

However, it was too late to prevent the permanent loss of vision in her left eye.  

Noora instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether earlier diagnosis and treatment could have prevented her sight loss.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs the eye centre and City Hospital, admitted a breach of duty. It admitted failures in treating suspected giant cell arteritis appropriately and carrying out necessary investigations. It also accepted that, with appropriate care, the mum-of-one and nan-of-four would likely have avoided complications, including the impact on her vision.

Jenna Harris, specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Noora, said: 

“Noora has been through a life-changing experience and is still struggling to adapt. The impact on her independence, ability to work and emotional wellbeing has been significant.

 

“While nothing can make up for her ordeal, we welcome the Trust’s admission. We’re now supporting Noora access the specialist support she requires to help her adjust to life and regain confidence in her day-to-day activities.

 

“Her experience highlights the importance of recognising the symptoms of conditions such as giant cell arteritis and ensuring urgent treatment is provided to help prevent avoidable harm."

Noora attended Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre on 24 May 2021, following two appointments with a GP.

The eye centre initially diagnosed her with uveitis – an inflammation inside the eye.

Noora’s symptoms continued despite taking pain medication and, on 10 June, she spoke to her GP, who suspected giant cell arteritis. Noora was told to go to hospital immediately, warning she could go blind without the right treatment.

She attended City Hospital. A doctor noted a lack of pulse in her right temporal artery – a key warning sign of giant cell arteritis – but did not investigate further and discharged her, having only provided a single day of steroid treatment.

She returned to City Hospital on 14 June and was seen by two doctors. Despite her ongoing symptoms and earlier concerns, they didn’t carry out any investigations into whether she had giant cell arteritis.

On 25 July, Noora experienced visual disturbances in her left eye and was admitted to City Hospital.

She remained in hospital for three days, undergoing tests.

Her diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was confirmed on 2 August 2021.

Noora now struggles with simple everyday tasks, finding it difficult to read, cook, travel and shop independently. She now relies on her daughter and friends for support.

Noora had previously worked as a self-employed make-up demonstrator and product promoter and had appeared on BBC One’s Dragon’s Den in 2012, where she showcased her beauty product “flick tips”.

Noora, said: 

“When I was finally diagnosed with giant cell arteritis, I felt angry. Thinking back, I had all the symptoms and can’t understand why I was left untreated for so long.  

“My life has completely changed since losing my vision. The simplest tasks are now the hardest and I struggle with day-to-day things I used to take for granted, like shopping and using my phone, as letters and numbers appear distorted and can be very confusing.  

“At times I even feel like a danger to myself – I’ve left the gas hob on without realising and now only drive very short distances, often having to rely on a friend or my daughter. It’s upsetting because I used to pick my grandchildren up from school and spend a lot of time with them, but I no longer feel it would be safe and don’t see them as often as I used to. 

“I’ve always loved make-up and most of my working life was built around it, but I struggle to do my own now. When I was self-employed, I loved attending events and meeting new people. Now, because of my vision loss, I’d struggle to demonstrate my products and no longer feel confident speaking to strangers. 

“I don’t feel like myself anymore. I used to be the fun one. I loved going out with friends or having people over for dinner, but I lack confidence now and find I’m much more anxious, which is so unlike me. I just want to get back to how I was, spending time with my friends and enjoying life again. 

“Losing my vision has had a huge impact on my mental health. I frequently have nightmares about going blind and I constantly worry about what would happen if something affected my other eye. 

“I feel like I’m stuck in limbo, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to get the support I need to move on with my life.

 

“After reading stories about other people with giant cell arteritis, I was inspired to speak out.

 

“By sharing my story, I hope to raise awareness of giant cell arteritis, symptoms to look out for, and the reality of people like me living with the condition.”