13 Lose Partial Vision After ‘Botched’ Cataract Surgery In Odisha’s Angul

Sambalpur/Angul: Thirteen persons aged between 50 and 70 experienced partial loss of vision after an alleged botched cataract surgery at a private clinic in Odisha’s Angul district last week.

According to sources, 13 persons, including five women, from Banarpal and Athmalik underwent cataract surgery at a clinic on June 20. The surgeries were performed by a visiting doctor who conducts scheduled surgeries every Thursday at the clinic. Though all patients seemed to recover well within the first 24 hours post-surgery, they soon started experiencing excruciating pain, headache and loss of vision and were admitted to VIMSAR on June 22.

While all patients have been discharged since, none fully regained their vision.

Speaking to the media, VIMSAR superintendent Lalmohan Nayak said that many among them were discharged after treatment on Wednesday evening. “Their vision, however, remains compromised,” he said, adding that the reason behind it yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, police have sealed the private clinic.

Angul CDMO Sibananda Mohanty has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Stringent action will be taken against those found guilty, he added.