Mother suffers life-changing sight loss due to medical negligence

Our client had been under the care of the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, within their rheumatology department, since 2014 for the management of aggressive seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.  

• She was prescribed hydroxychloroquine 400mg daily, which she took between 2014 and 2019. 
• In September 2019, she attended her local optician after experiencing problems with her peripheral vision and increasing difficulty with night vision. 
• Testing identified abnormalities in the central visual field of both eyes, leading to a referral to ophthalmology. 
• In October 2019, she was diagnosed with hydroxychloroquine-induced retinopathy and the medication was stopped. 
• In January 2020, following a further ophthalmology review, she was registered as partially sighted. 

Before the negligence, our client had healthy eyes and no visual impairment. She has since suffered extensive retinal damage and a significant loss in her field of vision, leaving her with only a small area of central vision. She experiences a doughnut-shaped defect in both eyes as well as a constant ring of flashing lights in both eyes. Our client now struggles to see at all in low light and has significant difficulty when moving between different lighting environments. She requires additional lighting to support her remaining vision and often wears a head torch during the day. Our client also experiences graphic visual hallucinations which take the form of objects and faces, and occasionally distressing images.  

Her condition is irreversible and there is no chance of improvement. Medical professionals have confirmed that her vision has continued to deteriorate since diagnosis, and she faces a greater than 50% chance of losing her remaining vision within the next five years. 

The sight loss has affected every aspect of her daily life. She was forced to give up her driving licence which, as well as impacting her sense of independence, affected her ability to transport her children to activities and social events. Due to her loss of sight our client was also unable to carry on her work as a dental nurse, meaning she has lost a career she loved and was left her struggling to contribute financially to the household. 

Previously a happy and sociable person who enjoyed spending time with friends and family, she has seen her life change dramatically. Our client has lost confidence in leaving her home, worrying about falling, injuring herself, bumping into people and how others perceive her. She has also experienced low mood and anxiety, particularly about the effect her condition may have on her children and her relationship with her husband. As a result of the challenges she faces, she has developed an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression. 

Emily Whiteley, a solicitor in our clinical negligence team supported this client through her claim. Expert evidence was obtained from independent rheumatology and ophthalmology specialists, and a claim was pursued against the Trust for failing to follow the relevant guidelines for ophthalmic monitoring whilst prescribing hydroxychloroquine and exceeding the recommended safe dose of the drug. Although liability was denied, a joint settlement meeting was agreed with both sides presenting medical evidence. A settlement of £1.25 million was agreed upon in June 2026.

The settlement secured has given our client the ability to access support and equipment to adjust to her new way of life with the sight loss. As she is unlikely to be able to return to work, the settlement has also meant our client and her family have the financial security they need to focus on healing and make the best of her life post-injury.  

Experiencing medical negligence can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about what comes next. At Fletchers, we understand the challenges that arise when the care you received was not the care you deserved. Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to help, offering expert legal advice and unwavering support from the moment you contact us. We are dedicated to helping you and your family find answers and seek accountability so you can move forward. Speak to our team today to find out how we can help.