Coronation Street star shares doctor’s concerning words amid fear diagnosis could end career

Lisa George, who played Beth Tinker on Coronation Street, has opened up about her diagnosis of Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after a doctor’s concerning words. The 51-year-old was diagnosed with the condition, a common cause of sudden vision loss in people over 50, last November, eight years into suffering from deteriorating eyesight.

Now living with sight loss in one eye and impaired peripheral vision in the other, Lisa told Reach PLC that she’s unsure if her condition will worsen, but vows to stay positive. “It’s the million dollar question really,” she shared.

“It’s not that it’s rare, it’s just not many people know about it and I’ve had people say, ‘I’ve never met anybody else who has had the same condition, so thank you for talking about it’.”

Lisa realised just how little research there was about the condition when a leading ophthalmologist advised her to research into it herself, due to his limited knowledge.

This led her to seeking private healthcare, where she finally received her diagnosis. “It’s been eight years before I actually got physically diagnosed with it, nobody knew what it was, they just didn’t know what happened and said it was one of those fluky things that had happened.

Lisa George was diagnosed with NAION last year (Image: ITV)

“So I didn’t have a proper diagnosis until November 2023, and it’s only now that I’m learning more and more about it. Even the top ophthalmologist at the hospital said to me, ‘I don’t know enough about this, you need to go away and find out more information’.

“He didn’t know and he was the top guy! So, that’s what led me down the private route which then led me to Moorfields [Eye Hospital] and then I saw the neuro-ophthalmologist there and she’s the one who diagnosed me,” she shared.

Lisa has expressed concern over the lack of research and support for her condition, which is believed to be caused by reduced blood flow to the front of the optic nerve, but believes it’s finally being looked into. Despite the challenges, the former Cobbles actress remains upbeat and determined to continue her acting career while she’s able.

“It’s not the best, and like I say, hopefully I won’t go blind with a bit of luck,” she shared. “I just wanted to be able to get back to my roots working in the theatre and doing other things and trying to have those opportunities, before I may not be able to work as an actress.”