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Ophthalmic (Eye) Negligence Claims

Specialist Ophthalmology & Eye Injury Medical Negligence Solicitors

Your eyesight is one of your most precious senses. When treatment or care relating to your eyes, whether for glaucoma, retinal conditions, surgery, medication or monitoring, falls below the required standard, the consequences can be devastating, permanent and life-altering.

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we help people who have suffered serious ophthalmic negligence — including delayed or incorrect treatment, inappropriate prescriptions, failure to diagnose or manage eye conditions, and surgical errors to claim compensation.

What Is Ophthalmic Negligence?

An ophthalmic negligence claim is a type of medical negligence claim brought when damage to the eyes or vision occurs because a healthcare professional failed to provide care at the required standard. Ophthalmic negligence can arise in:

  • Glaucoma care and monitoring
  • Retinal detachment and macular conditions
  • Eye surgery errors (e.g. cataract, laser procedures)
  • Incorrect medication or prescription errors
  • Delayed or failed diagnosis of serious eye conditions
  • Poor post-operative care or follow-up

Both NHS and private treatment providers owe you a duty of care. If that duty is breached and you suffer unnecessary harm, you may have grounds to claim compensation.

Common Examples of Ophthalmic Negligence

Medical negligence that leads to eye injury can include:

  • Failing to detect or treat serious conditions such as glaucoma or retinal detachment
  • Prescribing inappropriate or harmful eye medication
  • Errors during eye surgery, including laser eye procedures
  • Inadequate monitoring following surgery or treatment
  • Misdiagnosis or delayed referral to a specialist
  • Failure to warn of risks or obtain informed consent

The impact of avoidable eye injury can range from temporary visual disturbance to permanent vision loss or blindness — all of which have profound implications for daily life, work and independence.

What Compensation Can I Claim?

Compensation in ophthalmic negligence claims typically covers:

  • General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • Special damages for financial losses, including:
    • Loss of earnings (past and future)
    • Medical expenses and treatment costs
    • Care and support needs
    • Travel and rehabilitation costs
  • Costs related to home adjustments or assistive equipment
  • Psychological harm caused by loss of vision

The exact amount depends on the nature and severity of your injury, how it affects your life and prognosis for the future. Judicial College Guidelines provide indicative ranges for different levels of eye injury compensation, with serious double loss or permanent damage potentially reaching high six or even seven figures, depending on special damages.

Case Study

Ophthalmic Negligence Claim – £575,000

Ms M had been treated for glaucoma by an NHS eye department for many years. Despite her vision in the left eye worsening, her only treatment consisted of repeated prescriptions of eye drops — which in fact irritated her eye. Over time, she lost sight in her left eye, and her right eye was also impacted.

A private optician advised a second opinion, and Ms M chose to see a private glaucoma expert. He was alarmed by the condition of her eyes, discontinued the irritating drops and recommended urgent surgery that should have been offered years earlier.

Aston Knight Solicitors accepted the case and secured specialist expert evidence from a leading glaucoma specialist. The expert concluded that the NHS treatment team had been negligent in:

  • Failing to offer surgery earlier
  • Prescribing medication that worsened her condition
  • Inadequately monitoring eye pressure and disease progression

The expert also confirmed that the damage was permanent and that Ms M’s vision would continue to deteriorate. Because her sight loss significantly impacted her ability to care for herself and use her home, we also obtained evidence from accommodation, care, and occupational therapy specialists.

Defendants admitted most negligence allegations but disputed the severity of the damage. After issuing proceedings, negotiations led to a substantial settlement of £575,000, including an interim payment of £125,000 that allowed Ms M earlier access to some of her award.

Why Choose Aston Knight Solicitors for Ophthalmic Negligence Claims?

  • Specialists in medical and clinical negligence, including complex eye injury claims
  • Access to leading ophthalmic and glaucoma experts
  • Expertise in valuing compensation for both visual loss and wider life impacts
  • No Win, No Fee* funding available
  • Compassionate, client-focused support throughout your claim
  • Strong history of high-value settlements and successful outcomes

Medical negligence claims — especially serious eye injury cases — often require detailed expert evidence and careful analysis of clinical records. Our team has the experience to investigate these thoroughly and present a compelling case on your behalf.

How to Start an Ophthalmic Negligence Claim

To begin your claim:

  1. Collect medical records and treatment details.
  2. Note any decline in vision or symptoms following care.
  3. Keep copies of prescriptions and referral records.
  4. Seek legal advice early — time limits usually apply from the date of negligence or the date you first realise harm has been caused.

In most cases, you have three years from the date of negligent treatment (or date of knowledge) to start a claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered vision loss or other harm due to negligent eye care or treatment, Aston Knight Solicitors can help you seek justice and compensation.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation about your potential ophthalmic negligence claim.

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