Problems with glaucoma care at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

We are extremely concerned to read reports that treatment guidelines relating to glaucoma allegedly have not been followed at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire, leading to patients’ sight being harmed. Some patients are said to have suffered permanent visual damage.

At Kingsley Napley we are highly experienced in acting for patients who have suffered as a result of poor ophthalmic care including inadequate glaucoma treatment. We have succeeded in obtaining justice and compensation for many blind and partially sighted patients over many years. Please click here to read some of our ophthalmic case studies.

Glaucoma is a condition whereby the main nerve connecting the eye to the brain becomes damaged. If it is not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to vision loss. It is most common in adults over the age of 50. Glaucoma does not usually have any symptoms and develops slowly. Most commonly, it is picked up during routine eye tests. However, glaucoma can develop suddenly with symptoms such as intense eye pain, tenderness around the eye, blurred vision, a headache and nausea.

There is currently no cure for glaucoma but treatments that may manage the condition and slow down the damage are available including eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. Early treatment of the condition is key. Where delays have occurred or where guidelines have not been followed, there may be a legal claim for compensation.

Where there has been a serious injury to vision, compensation may be able to be obtained to cover, for example, the costs of specialist aids and equipment, adaptations to accommodation, lost earnings and care. A specialist lawyer will be able to advise fully on what may be able to be claimed in any individual case.

If you are concerned about ophthalmic treatment received by yourself or a loved one then please contact our expert team for a no obligation discussion.

About the author

James is the head of our Medical Negligence and Personal Injury practice and joined the firm in 2023 from Hodge, Jones & Allen. He has undertaken medical negligence and personal injury cases for over 30 years.