0
0
Thiruvananthapuram, July 19, 2025
In a significant medico-legal development, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has enhanced the compensation awarded to a young girl who lost vision in both eyes following a critical misdiagnosis by an ophthalmologist at a Kollam hospital.
Case Background
-
The incident dates back to 2003 when a six-year-old girl, then a first standard student, was brought to a Kollam hospital with complaints of a squint in her left eye.
-
On March 20, 2003, following a fundoscopy and refraction test, the attending ophthalmologist advised using a rubber over the right eye for four hours daily and recommended a review visit after six months.
-
On the subsequent review in September 2003, the family learned that the vision in the girl’s left eye was lost.
-
Seeking further treatment, the family consulted Aravind Eye Hospital, Tirunelveli, where a brain CT scan revealed a large tumour.
-
The child underwent a left pterional craniotomy and tumour decompression at Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), but unfortunately, she also lost the vision in her right eye after surgery.
Court Findings
The SCDRC, while reviewing an appeal filed by the doctor, examined expert medical opinion and case details. Key points noted by the Commission included:
-
The ophthalmologist failed to follow standard medical protocols when presented with a late-onset squint, neglecting vital investigations such as detailed squint work-up, diplopia charting, Hesse charting, BSV tests, indirect ophthalmoscopy, orbital ultrasound, and a CT scan of the brain.
-
At the September 2003 review, despite being aware of the brain tumour, the ophthalmologist did not refer the patient to a neurologist.
-
The District Consumer Commission at Kollam had previously directed the hospital and the doctor to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation and ₹50,000 as costs to the patient.
-
After appeal, the State Consumer Court increased the compensation for the suffering and irreversible loss endured by the young girl.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information sourced from a recent medico-legal case as reported by Medical Dialogues. The details provided are intended for general informational purposes and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. For personal or professional guidance regarding similar situations, readers are advised to consult qualified medical or legal professionals.
