A former Dragon's Den contestant who pitched an eyeliner product has been left partially blind after doctors failed to spot a devastating condition. Noora Lewis, 63, who appeared on BBC One's Dragon's Den in 2012, lost the sight in her left eye after doctors failed to diagnose giant cell arteritis (GCA), a condition that can cause irreversible blindness if not treated urgently.
Missed Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis
The former make-up entrepreneur, who tried to win funding from the Dragons with her beauty product "flick tips", repeatedly reported symptoms including headaches, jaw ache, tender temples and pain on the right side of her face.
Noora attended appointments at Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre and City Hospital, where she was told she had inflammation in her eye and was sent home with steroids. But her vision began to deteriorate, and her condition was diagnosed nearly four months after she first sought medical help. At that point it was too late to save the sight in her left eye, so Noora, from Birmingham, hired medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care.
NHS Trust Admits Breach of Duty
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have now admitted a breach of duty saying there were failures in treating suspected giant cell arteritis. It also admitted that, with appropriate care, Noora would likely have avoided complications, including the impact on her vision.
Lawyer Jenna Harris 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."
Life-Changing Impact
Noora, who has one child and four grandchildren, says she now struggles with everyday tasks and has to rely heavily on family and friends. She 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."
When she appeared on Dragon's Den in 2012 she failed to secure £50,000 of funding in exchange for 20 per cent of her Sensationelle business.
Describing the impact of losing her sight, Noora added: "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."
The former self-employed make-up demonstrator said the condition had robbed her of her confidence and independence. She said: "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.
"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."
Trust Apologises
Dr Mark Anderson, group chief medical officer at the NHS trust, apologised to Noora. In a statement, he said: "We have acknowledged that aspects of the care provided fell below the standard we expect and have accepted liability in relation to those failings.
"We recognise the distress caused and the devastating effect that the loss of sight has had on her and her family, and have apologised for this."
