Optical consultant gives evidence at Honey Rose trial

An optical consultant has reportedly told Ipswich Crown Court she did not recall having any problems saving retinal images at the time a locum optometrist failed to spot evidence of papilledema in a young patient who later died.

Optometrist Honey Rose, locuming at the time at Boots Opticians, Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, has denied a charge of manslaughter by gross negligence. It is the first time an eye care professional has faced a charge of manslaughter relating to clinical failings.

Eight-year-old patient Vincent Barker died from a build-up of fluid on his brain in July 2012.

The court heard that optical consultant Carol Cocker, who was also working in the practice at the time, could not remember if she was the staff member who took retinal images when the patient was brought in by his mother in February 2012, reported the Ipswich Star last night following the second day of the trial.