Six figure settlement achieved for client who lost his vision

The client, Dr Bob Clarke, was 55 when he was registered as severely visually impaired following inadequate treatment for neovascular glaucoma.

Bob was diagnosed with diabetes in 2003. In 2006, he developed diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. His eye condition was managed well until 2017, when he developed diabetic macular ischaemia. This condition affects the macula when it doesn’t receive enough blood.

Over the following years, it was acknowledged that there was a lack of coordination in reviewing and managing Bob’s condition. By 2019, he was showing early signs of neovascular glaucoma, but the defendant failed to recognise and treat it.

Neovascular glaucoma, also known as rubeotic glaucoma, can develop when abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye and pressure inside the eye rises. Without treatment, it can lead to complete loss of vision.

In Bob’s case, the condition progressed rapidly. Over just three months, he went from being completely independent to being registered as severely visually impaired.

Despite his sight loss, Bob has managed to continue working as an archaeologist with the help of specialist technology and equipment. His role, however, is now different.

Losing his vision had a significant impact on Bob’s independence. In just three months, he went from managing everyday life independently to being registered as severely visually impaired.

The change also affected his work as an archaeologist. Although Bob has been able to continue working with specialist equipment, his role has had to change to reflect his sight loss.

The settlement was intended to help Bob adapt to these changes and access the support and technology he needs for the future.

The team on the case obtained independent expert evidence from an ophthalmologist, who advised that the defendant’s treatment fell below a reasonable standard and resulted in a poor outcome.

They also sought advice from a care expert and an assistive technology expert. This evidence helped establish the impact of Bob’s sight loss and identify the support that could help him manage daily life.

The defendant made an early partial admission of responsibility. The parties then worked towards a settlement through alternative dispute resolution, a process that allows a claim to be resolved without court proceedings.

By working collaboratively with the defendant, the team on the case secured a settlement without the need to issue court proceedings.

The claim settled for a six-figure sum. The compensation will enable Bob to adapt his home, access therapies and benefit from the latest technology and equipment.

These resources will help Bob manage the practical challenges of sight loss and support his independence. The settlement also gives him greater scope to plan for his future needs.

Losing your vision can change many aspects of daily life, from maintaining independence to continuing in your chosen career. When inadequate eye treatment has contributed to sight loss, understanding what went wrong and how it affected you can be an important step towards securing support.

Fletchers can help you understand your options if you believe negligent eye treatment has caused avoidable harm.

Find out more about our ophthalmic negligence claims service.

Contact us today to speak to our team.