Our client, Dr BC, was aged 55 when he was registered as severely visually impaired following inadequate treatment for neovascular glaucoma. By working collaboratively with the Defendant, we were able to achieve an excellent settlement for Dr BC, avoiding the need to issue Court proceedings.
What is neovascular glaucoma?
Neovascular glaucoma (also known as rubeotic glaucoma) typically develops in eyes where there is severe retinal vein blockage or if there is an existing diabetic eye disease. The condition is caused by raised intraocular pressure and abnormal blood vessel growth. Early symptoms can include pain, redness and reduced vision. If left untreated it can lead to complete loss of vision, so as soon as signs of the condition are detected, treatment is imperative. This is usually an injection to the eye and laser surgery.
Background to the case
Dr BC is an archaeologist who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2003. In 2006 he developed diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina). His eye condition was well managed until 2017 when he developed diabetic macular ischemia. This is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy where there is a lack of blood supply to the eye’s macula. Over the next few years, it was acknowledged by the Defendant that there was a lack of coordination to review and manage Dr BC’s condition.
By 2019, Dr BC was showing early signs of neovascular glaucoma, but the Defendant failed to recognise and treat this. Over the course of three months, he went from being a completely independent individual to being registered as severely visually impaired. He has impressively managed (with the assistance of specialist technology and equipment) to continue working as an archaeologist, albeit his role is now somewhat different.
Settlement of the case
We obtained independent expert evidence from an ophthalmologist which advised that our client’s management by the Defendant fell below a reasonable standard, resulting in a poor outcome. We also sought advice from a care expert and an assistive technology expert.
The Defendant made an early partial admission and the case settled through alternative dispute resolution, without the need for any Court involvement. The settlement will enable Dr BC to secure a better future as he will be able to adapt his home, access therapies and benefit from the latest technology and equipment.
How Moore Barlow can help
Our experienced ophthalmology compensation claims lawyers includes lawyers dual-qualified as nurses and doctors with many years’ experience of working in the NHS and in bringing sight loss claims whether against hospitals, GP’s or other healthcare providers. We have a consistently strong track record and are regarded as leaders in the field.
