Optometrist Fails to Diagnose Retinal Detachment

Case Overview

This case takes place in Indiana and involves a female patient who presented to her optometrist with complaints of objects floating in her vision. She was examined by an optometrist who opined that the condition was self-limiting and did not require referral to a specialist. Shortly after leaving the facility the patient suffered a sudden loss of vision in the affected eye. It was later diagnosed that she had suffered retinal detachment. Despite surgical treatment the patient remains virtually blind in the affected eye.

Questions to the Ophthalmology expert and their responses

Do you routinely treat patients like the one described in this case?

This is what I do everyday and we work to avoid this outcome.

Based on this brief summary of the case, do you believe this patient might have had a better had the care rendered been different?

This patient potentially could have had a better outcome if a tear was missed or if follow up was not appropriate.

About the expert

This highly-qualified expert has 15+ years of experience and is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at a major University. Before securing his current post, he was an Instructor and Fellow in Retina and Vitreous surgery at Loma Linda University. He completed a medical and surgical internship at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, his Residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado, and a Fellowship in Retina and Vitreous surgery at Loma Linda University. He is a published author of 12 peer-reviewed journal articles and 3 book chapters, all covering topics and issues related to Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, and the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology.