One of the UK’s best-known opticians has recently been ordered to pay out £500,000 after failing to inform a young woman about the dangers of laser eye surgery.

According to the Daily Mail, Stephanie Holloway explained how she had been “enticed” into getting the surgery to correct her short sightedness after seeing an advert on the television claiming the procedure would cost patients £395. After contacting the company, Stephanie was then quoted her £2,790 for the procedure, which despite her reservations she eventually agreed to.

As the procedure went along, the 28-year-old claimed that the optician didn’t properly warn her about the risks of the surgery, which left her eyes unbearably sensitive to light causing her to constantly require the protection of sunglasses and to live by candlelight at her home in Hampshire. The court also heard how the damage the surgery caused left Miss Holloway unable to work, wrecking her chances of pursuing a career as a police officer and leaving her visually disabled and clinically depressed as a result.

The judge eventually ruled that there was “absolutely no way” Miss Holloway had been given sufficient information about the risks of the surgery and possible complications in order to be able to give her ‘informed consent’.

Optical Express was eventually told to pay a total of £569,287 in damages to Miss Holloway, which included £30,000 for her ‘pain and suffering’ and over £400,000 for her lost earnings.

The high street chain said they were “extremely disappointed by the verdict” and a spokesman said the company would consider an appeal:

“Patient care is our number one priority and we go to great lengths to ensure that everyone makes a thoughtful and well-informed decision whether to proceed with the type of surgery they select. As one of many examples, we now provide all patients with a comprehensive video that contains details of risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery as part of the consent process.”

If you are an optician, you are required by law to have public liability insurance.

While you may take every precaution to ensure that your clients are safe, if your work or a product you have prescribed causes your client injury it can end up being extremely costly for your business if they pursue a claim.

If in the unfortunate event that a claim is made by a customer, client or contractor who has been injured as a result of your business or its activities, a public liability policy will cover your business against costly legal bills and compensation payments.

It is vital that you arrange cover with the right insurer, so you can rest in the knowledge that any problems will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Infocus Opticians Insurance provides you with the peace of mind you need should you find yourself facing the prospect of a claim. Get in touch today to discuss your options.

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