£182,500 settlement for mum-of-two who lost sight in right eye because of ocular Tuberculosis
A DEVASTATED mother-of-two who suffered a complete loss of vision in her right eye because doctors failed to adequately investigate her symptoms over a six-year period has successfully secured a £182,500 settlement for clinical negligence.
The failure by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust resulted in a delayed diagnosis of ocular Tuberculosis (TB), leading to permanent sight loss which has had a profound effect on her daily life. She is now facing the distressing risk of future deterioration in her left eye, which could ultimately leave her blind.
The loss of vision has had a profound impact on her daily life. Since suffering from sight loss, her husband and daughters have had to provide assistance for basic daily activities, including preparing meals, zipping up clothes and applying make-up. She is also unable to drive long distances or at night, making her reliant on others.
The prolonged series of events first started back in August 2010 when she began experiencing headaches, redness, pain and pressure symptoms in her right eye.
On 2 August 2010, following a recommendation from her optician, she attended A&E but was not given a clear diagnosis or treatment. A week later, on 9 August 2010, she returned to A&E with worsening symptoms – including loss of colour vision. She was initially thought to be suffering from right optic neuritis and was urgently referred to neurology.
On 20 September 2010, she was examined and a mild swelling of the optic nerve was identified, with further investigation recommended, including an MRI scan. Despite continued symptoms (all of which were highly suggestive of ocular TB), and multiple medical consultations in the following months, no further tests or investigations for TB were carried out.
Although a referral to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) was recommended in her medical notes for March 2011, no referral was made and no follow up was considered until 4 November 2016, when a referral was made to a Consultant Ophthalmologist at MREH. Upon examination on 8 December 2016, a serious condition was identified which was affecting the retina and urgent testing for Tuberculosis was recommended.
In February 2017, tests confirmed she was positive for Tuberculosis but by this time, the damage was irreversible and she had unfortunately lost all useful vision in her right eye. Treatment commenced, but due to side effects, she was placed on a prolonged nine-month regime.
This was a highly-complex claim which was handled by experienced solicitor Hannah Entwistle and the £182500 settlement reflects the severity of her current condition and the future risks she faces, including the small, but possible risk of loss of sight in her remaining good eye. The case was lengthy and complicated and settled at JSM, after Court proceedings were issued against the Defendant.
Hannah said: “This case highlights the devastating consequences that delayed diagnosis and medical negligence can have on people and the life-altering impact it has on their daily lives.
“If timely investigations were carried out and she had been tested for Tuberculosis at the outset, functional vision would have been retained in her right eye and she could have avoided years of unnecessary suffering.
“No amount of financial compensation can restore her vision, but this settlement can help compensate her for the injury she has suffered from, and provide essential support for her ongoing care.”
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