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.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients like the one described in this case?
2. Have you ever had a patient develop this outcome?
3. Based on this brief summary of the case, do you believe this patient might have had a better had the care rendered been different?
Expert Witness Response E-011072
It's important to evaluate someone with flashes very carefully because this can sometimes be a sign of a retinal tear, that can lead to retinal detachment, and that can lead to loss of vision. This is what I do everyday and we work to avoid this outcome, however sometimes retinal detachment results in loss of vision even with proper treatment. This patient potentially could have had a better outcome if a tear was missed or if follow up was not appropriate.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
