An optometrist alleged to have failed in the provision of care for a patient with a retinal detachment has been cleared of misconduct by a GOC fitness to practise committee.
On December 12 2012, Clive Crowther examined a patient visiting the local area whp was said to have reported flashes and floaters. She also told the registrant that her usual OO had advised her that she may have a retinal problem.
The committee alleged that Crowther did not measure visual acuity using the patient’s spectacles or a pin hole, and failed to refer her to a suitably qualified practitioner. Five days later, the patient was diagnosed with a retinal detachment.
Independent experts said the lack of the use of a pin hole did not fall significantly below the standards of a reasonable competent OO and their overall assessments on the examination were similar, apart from the decision not to refer.
The committee said it could not prefer one expert’s opinion over the other’s and failed to discharge the burden of proof.