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Ophthalmology

There have been many recent breakthroughs in the field of ophthalmology, and some of them are still very controversial. Some types of laser procedures and lens implantation procedures are widely criticized, but still touted and recommended by practitioners (they are very profitable procedures). The result can be worse vision instead of improved vision – or worse. Many are left blind from these procedures either directly or indirectly. The most frequent injury is detached retina which, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can result in permanent blindness.

Other ophthalmology issues include infections, failure to treat trauma injuries, failure to diagnose and treat eye problems that worsen, and surgical mishaps.

An example of an Ophthalmology case handled by the attorneys at Kelley/Uustal is the case of a lady who went to an optometrist for years for glasses and routine check-ups. She started experiencing flashes, spots, and vision disturbances, and she went to her optometrist. He performed a cursory exam, and said it was normal. She went back to him several times over the next year-and-a-half as the problem got worse – each time the same, a cursory exam and a reassurance it was normal. Eventually she switched doctors and was diagnosed with a cancer in her eye that was so big that it took up 60% of the volume of her eye. It could be seen just by looking into her eye with a flashlight, yet the doctor she saw a month earlier didn’t diagnose it. A multi-million dollar confidential settlement was reached.