Girl's Eye Surgeries Result in Severe Cosmetic Issue, Court Settlement Reached

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

Following the surgeries at University Hospital Waterford, the girl's eye allegedly ended up looking upward due to overcorrection.

It was claimed that despite the surgeries, the girl was left in a worse condition than before her initial surgery as a toddler in 2012.

The teenager settled a High Court action against the HSE for €120,000 over her treatment for a congenital squint in one eye at University Hospital Waterford. The settlement does not admit liability.

Her legal counsel mentioned that the girl had the first surgery at six months old for a congenital squint in her left eye. Between the ages of two and seven, she underwent six surgeries on the eye muscles, which were deemed unnecessary or incorrect by their side.

Experts suggested that if no surgeries had been performed, the girl would likely have a normal appearance. The first surgery was considered wrong, and further squint surgery was deemed challenging and unpredictable.

Allegations against the HSE included a failure to fully discuss the risks and benefits of surgery before the initial procedure in 2012, as well as a lack of communication with the girl's parents. The settlement was approved by Mr. Justice Paul Coffey as fair and reasonable.

According to the source: Irish Examiner.