Surgeons operate on wrong eye

A BOY admitted to Caritas Medical Centre for corrective surgery on his left eyelid under went an operation on his right, it was revealed yesterday.

In the latest of a series of blunders to hit local hospitals, the boy needed an operation on his left eye to cure ptosis - a drooping eyelid.

But on January 12, staff operated on his right eye. When the mistake was realised, they immediately performed corrective surgery.

It was uncertain whether the doctor had received incorrect information or had accidentally begun on the wrong eye.

Administrators at the Cheung Sha Wan public hospital pledged a thorough investigation into the case yesterday. Staff would be disciplined if appropriate and the hospital would review existing systems to prevent a repeat of the accident, a spokesman said.

'The Hospital Authority and Caritas Medical Centre are extremely concerned about the mistake, have accepted responsibility and will assist the parents in the follow-up procedures,' a hospital spokesman said.

The boy is recovering in hospital. It is uncertain whether his right eye will suffer long-term damage.