The eyes are among the most delicate and complex organs in the body. Ophthalmic negligence — whether during eye surgery, through a missed diagnosis of a sight-threatening condition, or through negligent injection or laser treatment — can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. When the care provided falls below the standard of a reasonably competent ophthalmologist or optometrist, and vision is lost or damaged as a result, a compensation claim may be available.
What are the common types of ophthalmic negligence?
Cataract surgery complications
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical operation in the UK. Complications include: posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, and dropped nucleus — all of which can cause permanent vision loss. Where the complication resulted from surgical technique below the required standard, or where intraoperative complications were not managed appropriately, a claim may succeed.
Lens replacement negligence (see /lens-replacement-negligence-claim)
Incorrect lens power calculation causing permanent refractive error; failure to identify and disclose contraindications for lens replacement surgery.
Retinal detachment misdiagnosed
A retinal detachment presenting with sudden floaters, flashes, and a visual field defect requires urgent ophthalmological assessment. Delayed diagnosis and surgical repair can result in permanent vision loss. A claim arises where a GP or optometrist failed to refer urgently, or where the hospital failed to treat within the appropriate time.
Failure to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy screening is a mandatory part of NHS diabetes care. Failure to screen, failure to follow up abnormal screening results, or failure to treat sight-threatening retinopathy in time can cause avoidable blindness in patients with diabetes.
Negligent intravitreal injection
Anti-VEGF injections (e.g. Lucentis, Eylea) for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema must be given with strict aseptic technique. Endophthalmitis — severe intraocular infection — caused by inadequate sterile technique can cause permanent vision loss.
Missed papilloedema
Papilloedema — swelling of the optic disc due to raised intracranial pressure — is an ophthalmological finding requiring immediate investigation for a space-occupying lesion or other serious intracranial pathology. Missed papilloedema on fundoscopy, with subsequent intracranial pathology progressing, may give rise to a claim.
LASIK and refractive surgery complications
Permanent refractive error, dry eye, corneal ectasia, and loss of best-corrected visual acuity following refractive surgery. Claims arise from failure to screen patients adequately (including pre-existing corneal pathology), failure to obtain informed consent for the risks, and surgical errors. Read the full guide to laser eye surgery negligence claims.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if cataract surgery caused loss of vision?
Yes — if the vision loss resulted from surgical technique below the required standard. Some level of risk exists in all cataract surgery; the question is whether the complication resulted from a failure below the required standard.
Can I claim if a retinal detachment was not referred urgently?
Yes — if the referral delay resulted from a failure below the standard of a reasonably competent GP, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Can I claim for blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy that was not treated?
Yes — if failure to screen, follow up, or treat sight-threatening retinopathy fell below the required standard and the failure caused vision loss.