A HEREFORD optometrist has featured in a television documentary about how the son of a former England footballer has coped with an incurable eye condition.

Nick Rumney's BBR Optometry practice in St Owen Street has been the accredited International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) assessment optometry practice for 10 years and has assessed over 40 sportspeople. 

In 2022, Mr Rumney carried out a vision assessment for James Owen, the son of former England, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen. 

Hereford Times: Nick RumneyNick Rumney (Image: BBR Optometry)

"James was diagnosed with an incurable retinal condition called Stargardt disease when he was a young boy, meaning that he couldn't follow his father into a stratospheric football career," said Mr Rumney. 

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"He came down to Hereford to see me at BBR Optometry in January 2022 for a vision assessment according to IBSA which is a grading process. He then went to the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) for a sports assessment for partially sighted football." 

Hereford Times: BBR Optometry is based in St Owen StreetBBR Optometry is based in St Owen Street (Image: BBR Optometry)

The documentary, called Football is for Everyone, premiered on TNT Sports 1 last month. It follows James and Michael as they seek to understand more about James’ condition through the lens of the England Partially Sighted Futsal Team.

Scott Young, Group SVP, Content, Production and Business Operations, WBD Sports Europe said: “Football is for Everyone offers an intimate look at the obstacles many face to play the sport they love.

"It was a pleasure to work closely with Michael and James on this project, particularly as it shows how the beautiful game can bring people together and, hopefully, inspire more inclusivity and accessibility in football.”