Doctor of Optometry Urging for MRI Leads to Brain Tumor Diagnosis

After experiencing a persistent ‘semi-dead spot’ in his vision, Tom Pierce headed to an eye exam for the first time ever. In his 30s, he assumed it was simply a normal part of aging.

“My vision had been getting weird for months, years even. Not in a big way. It's impossible to describe fully. I was also becoming more sensitive to oncoming headlights at night,” said Tom.  

Instead of the typical visit Tom expected – maybe some glasses or contacts – Dr. Laura Ozuna insisted on an MRI.

“She didn't freak me out, but she carefully explained that my symptoms indicated an issue with the optic chiasm, located under the pituitary gland in my brain, rather than any physical problem with the eyes themselves,” says Tom.

During his visit with Dr. Ozuna, a discussion of his symptoms quickly raised serious concerns. Dr. Ozuna ran some more tests, leading to a concerning find.

“Often, people minimize or dismiss symptoms because no one wants to imagine something could be wrong,” said Dr. Ozuna. “But when symptoms start to add up, even subtle changes can be important. Listening to your body and feeling comfortable sharing changes beyond just your eyes helps us care for the whole person, not just their vision.”

After a referral was overlooked and threatened his chance for an MRI, Dr. Ozuna refused to give up and urged Tom to go to emergency care, a decision that led to a brain tumor diagnosis.

What’s truly remarkable is that despite all the other symptoms Tom experienced – mood swings, recklessness, fatigue – it was his vision change that ultimately led to the discovery of a life-threatening tumor.

“It is clear to me that Dr. Ozuna saved my life,” says Tom. “More importantly, she has given me hope and optimism and greatly increased my quality of life. Her talent and professionalism and the crazy fact that she cares so much. She followed up with me many, many times over months to make sure that I was getting the MRI, getting seen by neuro, getting proper treatment, responding positively to treatment. It has been an absolute blessing to me.” 

Tom’s story isn’t about luck. It’s about the power of paying attention and having a doctor who refused to give up. Through an eye exam, a doctor of optometry can directly view inside of the eye including the retina, blood vessels and the optic nerves, which are a direct extension of the brain. This helps safeguard overall health by enabling the doctor to detect more than 270 serious conditions ranging from diabetes to high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and, as in Tom’s case, brain tumors.

“By sheer luck I crossed paths with a doctor who not only knows her stuff backward and forward but also is empathetically committed to her patients' well-being. I am in awe of her, and I am grateful,” says Tom.

Subtle changes in vision can signal something much more serious than just aging eyes. Common symptoms that should never be ignored include:

• Persistent blurry or “dead spots” in your vision
• Increased sensitivity to light or glare
• Sudden changes in visual clarity or color perception
• Frequent headaches or pressure behind the eyes

• New double vision or difficulty with eye movements

Even if your vision seems fine, routine eye exams are essential. Many serious conditions – such as glaucoma, retinal disorders, and even brain tumors – can develop silently without obvious symptoms.

Tom is expected to make a full recovery and the tumor has now shrunk by half.

Laura Ozuna, O.D.

Dr. Laura Ozuna grew up in Beaverton, Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University and then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at Pacific University’s College of Optometry, where she received the Dean’s award. She is a member of the AOA, NOA, and OOPA, and serves on the board of the Oregon Foundation for Vision Awareness (OFVA).

Dr. Ozuna is passionate about patient education and supporting the local community through eye care and overall health. She provides comprehensive and medical eye examinations in both English and Spanish for patients of all identities and backgrounds, and enjoys participating in community outreach events.

Her main professional interests include ocular disease, contact lenses, and primary care optometry. She has a special passion for pediatric eye care and myopia management in children. In 2024, she was appointed as Oregon’s AOA Myopia Change Agent representative.

Outside of work, Dr. Ozuna enjoys traveling with her husband, being outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and spending time with her two sons.