Failure to Refer to Glaucoma Specialist

We tender our thanks to plaintiff's counsel, Charles Rawlings, for the report of this case. The plaintiff, sixty-six with a history of Lasix surgery, presented to the defendant on September 11, 2020, with blurred vision (20/40) in the left eye. Eye pressure was measured at 21 mmHg. Defendant noted cupping of the plaintiff’s optic cup and significant iris TIDs and pigment in the anterior vitreous of his left eye. Defendant nevertheless failed to refer plaintiff to a glaucoma specialist, prescribe medicated eye drops to alleviate the pressure or schedule a follow-up.

On July 8, 2021, the plaintiff returned to his optometrist as his left eye had become severely dilated. The plaintiff’s intraocular pressure was now at 28 mmHg. He was referred back to the defendant’s practice. On July 13, 2021, the plaintiff returned to the defendant's practice, he saw another doctor. The plaintiff’s left intraocular pressure was still 28 mmHg and the vision in his left eye was 20/100. The plaintiff was diagnosed with severe stage Pigmentary Glaucoma and was prescribed two different eye drops to use for his left eye. On July 28, 2021, the doctor performed a Yag Iridotomy on the plaintiff’s left eye. Following this procedure, the plaintiff’s intraocular pressure dropped to 17 mmHg, and his left eye vision remained at 20/100. The plaintiff returned to the defendant’s practice for several follow-ups, where his intraocular eye pressure was recorded to be at 12 mmHg and 10 mmHg. The plaintiff’s vision in his left eye was recorded to be 20/100, 20/70, and 20/80.

The plaintiff suffered a permanent fifty percent loss of vision in his left eye and incurred significant medical expenses and lost wages. The parties resolved the matter for an undisclosed amount.