A Wellington eye specialist was "ashamed" of his surgery on a woman which left her with worse vision, the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal heard yesterday.
Ophthalmologist Andrew John Logan admitted a charge of conduct unbecoming a medical practitioner.
The charge related to his treatment of Hastings orchardist Kim Elizabeth Herbison in the six months to April 30, 1997.
Appearing before the tribunal in Wellington, Dr Logan admitted failing to get informed consent from Mrs Herbison before carrying out laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) surgery on both her eyes.
The tribunal was told that, in particular, he failed to tell her that the degree of long-sightedness which she had had since birth was in excess of that normally regarded as safe at the time for Lasik surgery.
He had also not told her of the risks of the surgery on someone who was so long-sighted.
A lawyer for the Health and Disability Commissioner, Theo Baker, said Mrs Herbison had to give up her business as an orchardist.
She said Dr Logan had apologised to Mrs Herbison and refunded her $1650.
The tribunal reserved its decision on penalty.
- NZPA
Eye surgeon felt ashamed
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