Girl Left with Severe Cosmetic Issue After Eye Surgeries, Court Reveals

High Court Reporter

A little girl underwent six eye surgeries for a congenital squint, resulting in a profound and permanent cosmetic issue, as claimed in the High Court.

The surgeries, performed at University Hospital Waterford, allegedly worsened the girl's condition, leaving her in a more challenging state than before her initial surgery as a toddler in 2012.

Now a teenager, the girl settled a High Court action against the HSE for €120,000 regarding her treatment for a congenital squint in one eye at the hospital.

The settlement does not imply liability.

Her legal counsel highlighted that the surgeries, conducted between the ages of two and seven, were deemed unnecessary or incorrect by their side.

The first surgery resulted in an overcorrection, causing the child's eye to deviate upwards. The surgeries did not affect her eyesight but left a significant cosmetic issue.

Experts suggested that without intervention, the girl would have had a normal appearance. The first surgery was deemed incorrect, and further procedures were considered challenging and unpredictable.

Allegations included a failure to fully discuss risks and benefits with the parents before the surgeries in 2012.

The settlement was approved by Mr. Justice Paul Coffey, who deemed it fair and reasonable, extending his best wishes to the teenager.

According to the source: westernpeople.ie.