In focus: Optometry must reflect on manslaughter verdict

If this case makes the optometry profession reflect on their practices and review their policies to prevent it happening to anyone again, or encourages other parents to take their children to get their eyes tested with the knowledge that any serious issues would be picked up, then it will be worthwhile.’

These were the words of Suffolk Police senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Tonya Antonis outside Ipswich Crown court 20 minutes after locum optometrist Honey Rose was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence last week (July 15).

Regardless what verdict was reached, a criminal trial of an optometrist for manslaughter through negligence was always going to have huge ramifications on not just optometry, but the wider medical profession too. It was the first time an eye care professional had faced such charges.