PITTSBURGH — An eye surgeon is facing a negligence claim after allegedly misplacing a stent in a patient during lens replacement surgery.
Douglas C. Johnson, Sr and Mandy Soeterik-Johnson filed a complaint against Kevin D. Clark, M.D., Opthamology Associates of Osborne Inc., and UPMC Outpatient Center alleging negligence.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, Douglas Johnson, Sr., underwent surgery on Jan. 30, 2020, performed by Clark to remove a cloudy lens. They claim the lens was to be replaced with an artificial lens with placement of a stent/shunt in the right eye known as a "Hydrus Stent."
The plaintiffs further claim that after the surgery, Johnson suffered eye irritation, dark spots, fuzzy vision and out-of-focus vision. They allege that on Aug. 6, 2020, another ophthalmologist determined the stent was misplaced and that after a failed surgical correction, the stent eventually required removal in April of 2021.
The plaintiffs claim the defendants' negligence for failing to properly position the stent, for failing to possess the required degree of "skill and knowledge required" and for not doing appropriate diagnostic tests that would have shown the stent's improper positioning. They also claim the defendants failed to timely recognize Johnson's signs and symptoms.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief and all other just relief. They are represented by Wayne Chiurazzi and Edward Wertman of The Chiurazzi Law Group in Pittsburgh.