£25,000 Settlement for Delayed Glaucoma Diagnosis

Background

Our client, a 65-year-old charity worker from Southampton, was diagnosed with ocular hypertension in 2001 and prescribed medication to manage his condition. Initially under regular review by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, he moved in 2007 and began treatment with the Royal Hampshire County Hospital’s Ophthalmology team. 

Although monitored annually until 2014, his care lapsed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment that eventually resulted in glaucoma. 

 Timeline of Events

• 2008–2014: Regular follow-ups for ocular hypertension.
• 2018: Re-referred for diplopia and underwent squint surgery in December 2019. 
• 2021–2022: Multiple GP referrals due to opticians’ concerns were not actioned. 
• January 2023: Finally diagnosed with right eye open-angle glaucoma and left eye ocular hypertension. 

The Impact 

The delayed diagnosis and treatment significantly affected our client’s quality of life: 

Physical Impact:  

• Peripheral vision loss, leading to frequent injuries, including head bumps and a corneal abrasion from an unseen branch. 

• Driving became challenging due to blind spots, requiring heightened caution. 

• Increased dependence on his wife for hospital visits after treatments. 

Emotional Impact:  

• Anxiety about worsening eyesight, potential surgery, and complete vision loss. 

• Concern for the long-term effects of frequent head injuries. 

Lifestyle Changes:  

• Numerous hospital and optician visits disrupted his routine, significantly impacting his daily life. 

The Case

Fletchers’ Medical Negligence Solicitor, Priya Singh, pursued the case against Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alleging: 

• Failure to monitor and treat ocular hypertension from 2014–2018. 

• Breaches of duty by not arranging appointments following referrals in 2021 and 2022. 

The Outcome

The case settled for £25,000, recognising the impact of delayed care on our client’s health and quality of life.