Yes, you can claim clinical negligence if your eye surgery goes wrong due to substandard care, errors, or a lack of informed consent. Whether the issue occurred during laser eye surgery, cataract removal, or another ophthalmic procedure, you may be entitled to compensation. In the UK, specialist solicitors can help you prove fault and recover damages for pain, suffering, and long-term impact.
👁️🗨️ Understanding Eye Surgery Negligence in the UK
Eye surgeries can significantly improve vision — but when things go wrong, the consequences are devastating. If your eye surgery left you with complications, blurred vision, or even permanent damage, you may be able to make an eye surgery negligence claim.
Clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails in their duty of care. This includes:
- Performing surgery incorrectly
- Failing to diagnose or treat complications
- Poor pre-op assessments or post-op care
- Not warning patients about serious risks
Whether you had laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, or a corrective lens implant, negligence could entitle you to compensation.
🔍 Common Examples of Negligent Eye Surgery
Here are typical scenarios that lead to successful eye surgery claims:
- Laser eye surgery damaging the cornea or worsening vision
- Infections due to poor hygiene or incorrect aftercare instructions
- Surgery on the wrong eye
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of vision
- Poor pre-surgical screening resulting in unsuitable candidates being operated on
- Retinal detachment post-surgery
- Lack of informed consent before the procedure
According to the NHS Resolution Annual Reports, ophthalmology consistently features among the top five specialities for clinical negligence claims.
💷 How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount you may receive depends on how seriously you were affected. Compensation considers pain, suffering, lost earnings, and the cost of ongoing care.
Here’s a rough guide:
| Injury Type | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|
| Minor temporary eye problems | £3,000 – £8,000 |
| Vision impairment in one eye | £20,000 – £50,000 |
| Total blindness or loss of both eyes | £200,000 – £400,000+ |
| Psychological trauma or anxiety | £1,000 – £20,000+ |
These figures are approximate. An expert solicitor, such as those connected via National Claims, can assess your case more accurately and fight for the maximum settlement.
🧾 Do I Need to Go Through the NHS Complaints Process First?
If your surgery was on the NHS, it’s a good idea to raise an official complaint before starting legal action. This can be done through:
- The hospital’s complaints department
- The NHS Complaints Advocacy service
- Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
While it’s not a legal requirement to complain before making a claim, it may help uncover key facts and speed up the process.
📜 How to Make a Laser Eye Surgery Compensation Claim
To begin your laser eye surgery compensation claim, you’ll typically need:
- Medical Records – Detailing the treatment and outcomes
- Expert Medical Opinion – To confirm the standard of care was unacceptable
- Proof of Financial Losses – Such as time off work, extra treatment costs, or travel expenses
- Witness Statements – If available, from staff or other patients
A legal expert will then help you build a case showing that:
- The care was negligent
- The negligence directly caused your injury
- You suffered measurable harm
Most clinical negligence claims in the UK are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you won’t pay if your claim is unsuccessful.
🧑⚖️ How National Claims Can Help
Making a clinical negligence claim — especially for something as life-altering as eye surgery negligence — can be stressful and complex. That’s where National Claims steps in. We connect you with experienced solicitors who specialise in medical negligence and understand how to:
- Gather strong evidence
- Handle medical experts and insurers
- Negotiate the best possible compensation
- Offer emotional support throughout the process
If you’re unsure where to start, our friendly team will walk you through every step.
🛑 Time Limits and Deadlines
You typically have three years from the date of surgery or from the date you first noticed something was wrong. This is called the “date of knowledge”.
For children, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday. For individuals without mental capacity, there may be no time limit.
Don’t delay — waiting too long could cost you your right to claim.
✅ Conclusion: Start Your Eye Surgery Negligence Claim Today
Eye surgery is meant to improve your life — not leave you with lasting damage or distress. If your surgery was botched, mismanaged, or poorly explained, you may be entitled to compensation through a clinical negligence claim.
Whether it’s a laser eye surgery claim or another type of eye surgery negligence claim, National Claims can connect you with trusted solicitors who will fight your corner.
🧠 People Also Ask
1. Can I claim compensation for laser eye surgery gone wrong?
Yes. If you suffered harm from laser eye surgery due to poor technique, equipment failure, or inadequate aftercare, you could be eligible for compensation.
2. What counts as clinical negligence in eye surgery?
Negligence includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, infections due to poor hygiene, or failure to inform you of the risks involved in the procedure.
3. Is there a time limit to make an eye surgery claim?
Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident or from when you first became aware of the negligence.
4. How do I prove clinical negligence in eye surgery?
You’ll need medical records, expert reports, and evidence showing that the care you received fell below acceptable standards and directly caused your harm.
5. Can I claim for eye surgery carried out privately?
Absolutely. Whether you had your procedure on the NHS or with a private provider, you still have the right to pursue a clinical negligence claim.
📞 Take the First Step Now
Contact National Claims today to check if you have a valid claim. Our team will guide you through your options, and if eligible, help you start your laser eye surgery compensation.
Don’t suffer in silence — get the support and justice you deserve.
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