Professional Negligence Law Reporter

When Sheila Lovell experienced blurred vision, she underwent a fundus examination performed by optometrist Cheryl Brown, who also took a history and looked at Lovell’s eyes through a slit lamp. The fundus examination revealed a normal optic nerve. Brown diagnosed dry eye, recommended new eyewear, and told Lovell to return if she had any new or worsening problems. After the visit, Lovell experienced a retinal vein occlusion, which resulted in neovascular glaucoma and permanent vision loss in her left eye.

Lovell sued Brown, alleging that the defendant had failed to recognize and appreciate signs and symptoms of a retinal vein occlusion and failed to perform a thorough fundus examination with dilation.

The jury awarded $1.5 million.

Citation: Lovell v. Brown, No. 1981CV02835 (Mass. Super. Ct. Middlesex Cnty. May 13, 2025).

Plaintiff counsel: Krysia J. Syska, Boston.