2 Ophthalmologists booked for medical negligence after 5 patients lose vision

Thane: Two ophthalmologists have been booked in an alleged medical negligence case after five patients suffered serious eye infections caused by the Pseudomonas virus, resulting in loss of vision following cataract surgeries at a prominent eye hospital in Navi Mumbai.

The accused, a father-son duo, allegedly performed these surgeries without renewing their licenses with the Maharashtra Medical Council during the period, raising serious safety concerns. The fact that the senior doctor, aged 87, was still permitted to perform surgeries is also under investigation.

The surgeries in question were performed between December 2024 and March 2025 at the private eye hospital located at Vashi in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township.

Also read- 67-year-old man loses vision after cataract surgery, files complaint against Ophthalmologists

As per the Indian Express media report, the incident came to light after a 67-year-old man with a history of diabetic condition was experiencing cataract problem. Therefore, he had approached the hospital, and the two ophthalmologists conducted his surgery in March. Following the surgery, he lost his vision on the left eye due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a virulent bacterium known to cause rapid and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Later, he approached the police and the Maharashtra Medical Council and filed a complaint against the father-son duo doctors. The complainant said that besides him, four others who had surgeries there since December 2024 also lost vision.

Medical Dialogues had in May 2025 reported that the complainant filed with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and the Vashi police, claiming he permanently lost vision in his left eye following cataract surgery performed by a father-son ophthalmologist duo. According to the complaint, the doctors allegedly overlooked his pre-existing diabetic condition and ignored vital pre-operative safeguards, leading to severe complications, including permanent vision loss.

On December 31, 2024, the complainant proceeded with the first surgery on his right eye, after paying an advance of Rs 70,000. However, he experienced persistent discomfort, a poking sensation, and blurred vision after the surgery. Despite his concerns, the doctors assured him that the issues would resolve with time.

On March 27, 2025, the patient paid an additional Rs 30,000 for the surgery on his left eye. Despite informing the doctors about his diabetic condition and the fact that his right eye had not fully healed, he asked if it was safe to proceed. The doctors reassured him, stating that everything would normalize after the second surgery. However, just two days later, his left eye went dark. He described feeling pain and pressure but being unable to see anything. When he visited the doctor on April 6, he was informed that an ulcer had formed and was referred to another centre for further treatment.

At the centre where he was referred, a specialist said he was suffering from a severe corneal infection and recommended urgent treatment or a corneal transplant if vision did not return. Since Gupta could not afford further surgery, his daughter Deepali took him to another doctor who ran some investigations. The reports showed he was suffering from an infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa – a virulent bacterium known to cause rapid and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Three months later, an First Information Report (FIR) was registered on Monday under sections 125(a), 125(b) (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as provisions of the National Medical Commission Act based on a probe report submitted by the civil surgeon, who conducted a thorough investigation into the victims' complaints. The civil surgeon's report corroborated the allegations made by the victims to the police.

"The accused doctors are alleged to have conducted the eye surgeries in a rash, hasty, and negligent manner. As a result, five patients, including a couple aged above 65, suffered severe eye injuries. The victims were diagnosed with serious infections caused by the pseudomonas virus following the surgeries," an official from Vashi police station told PTI.

Also read- Probe ordered after 8 patients fall ill following injection at Balurghat Hospital