January 31, 2023
Healthcare law – a year in review.
Over the course of the last year, there have been many interesting judgements in the High Court and the Court of Appeal in relation to healthcare and personal injury law....
Ophthalmic Negligence
The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the eye has progressed significantly in recent decades.
With ever improved technology, including microscopes, pharmacology, imaging, robotics, gene therapy, imaging techniques, and ophthalmic implants, those who suffer from acquired or degenerative conditions related to their vision now have a greater number of effective intervention options than ever before.
While ophthalmologists and those in related roles do all they can to mitigate the risks associated with medical practice in this field, sometimes problems do occur. And occasionally, mistakes may be due to negligence by a healthcare professional.
Ophthalmology is not the sole preserve of hospitals. Many ophthalmologists and other eye-related clinicians operate in private practice and in specialist clinics such as those providing corrective eye surgery.
There are a wide range of ophthalmic complications which may arise due to medical treatment or surgery including:
Should such an event occur, everything should be done in an attempt to reverse or correct the damage caused to your eyes and/or vision. In some cases, it may not be possible to resolve the issue, leading to life-long eyesight problems.
Assuming all possible surgical options have been exhausted, in many cases it may be possible for patients to undergo specialist rehabilitative therapies, including emotional support and specialist eye therapy (also referred to as vision therapy). Eye therapy includes specially prescribed exercises designed to, over time, improve vision. Medication may also be prescribed to control infection and reduce dryness or pain.
In addition, corrective lenses in the form of glasses or contact lenses may offer some improvement if your vision has been damaged due to medical negligence.
To bring a claim for medical negligence relating to your vision, it will be necessary to provide evidence that:
To prove your case, we will compile evidence, including medical records, and seek expert medical opinion.
Claims following ophthalmic medical negligence may cover two areas of loss:
By allowing us to handle your claim on your behalf, you can focus on what is most important – your recovery and care, or that of your family member or loved one.
For further information on making a claim for ophthalmic injury or disease due to medical negligence in Ireland, please contact Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800 or email Avril Scally at ascally@lavellepartners.ie
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. This statement is made in compliance with RE.8 of SI 518 of 2002.
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