Hospital missed opportunities to save man's sight

What happened

Mr G had eye surgery in autumn 2014. A few days later he suffered eye pain that got worse and was violently sick. He went to the Eye Clinic for an emergency appointment.

An ophthalmologist treated MR G with medication to reduce the pressure in his eye. The ophthalmologist discharged him although there was no evidence that the treatment had worked, and referred him for an outpatient appointment six days later with the consultant who did the surgery.

The consultant reviewed him and found Mr G's eye pressure was still high, but much lower than it had been when the ophthalmologist had seen him. The consultant prescribed more medication and arranged to review Mr Gin four days' time.

Mr G's eye pressure reduced slightly but was still higher than it should have been, so the consultant referred him to a glaucoma specialist. The specialist treated him with laser surgery, but this was not successful and Mr G lost the sight in his eye.

Mr G complained that he did not receive appropriate treatment for his symptoms and that this led to the loss of his sight.

What we found

There were significant failings ophthalmologist's management of Mr G's severely raised eye pressure. He should have been given more aggressive treatment with intravenous medication, and should not have been discharged until his eye pressure had reduced. We also found that the ophthalmologist should have arranged an early reviewwithin two days of his discharge. These failings meant opportunities were missed to save Mr G's sight.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised to Mr G for its failings, paid him £5,000 and explained what actions it would take to prevent this happening again.