Court focuses on critical testimony
The prosecution is focusing on key witnesses nearly six years after a serious medical incident that shocked public opinion, in a major medical negligence case in Cyprus involving the loss of sight of eight patients.
The patients underwent cataract surgery in October 2020 at a private hospital in Nicosia.
The case is considered one of the most significant medical negligence proceedings in recent years due to the severity of the outcomes and the time elapsed before the trial began.
Trial progresses with tight schedule
The hearing is moving forward at an accelerated pace, with the court already scheduling eight sessions until 5 June in an effort to avoid further delays.
The prosecution is led by lawyer Elena Constantinou, while the defence represents two ophthalmologists through lawyer Marios Spyrou.
Legal representatives of the patients and their families are also participating in parallel civil proceedings.
Nurse testimony expected to be key
According to reports, a nurse who was present during the operations is expected to play a crucial role in reconstructing events inside the operating theatre.
Her testimony, scheduled for 22 May, is expected to detail the practices followed during surgery, including the handling of medical equipment and consumables.
The prosecution alleges that single-use materials such as drops, saline solutions and surgical components may be linked to the post-operative infection.
Core dispute: cause of blindness
The loss of vision among the patients is not disputed. The central issue in the medical negligence case is the cause of the outcome and whether it is linked to actions or omissions by the medical staff.
Efforts are underway to agree on a list of undisputed facts in order to streamline the proceedings and reduce unnecessary repetition of testimony.
Further witnesses are expected to include an infectious disease specialist who prepared a report on the case, an ophthalmic surgeon, and the supplier of medical equipment used during the procedures.
Experts will examine whether proper infection control procedures and equipment handling standards were followed.
Charges and legal background
Two ophthalmologists are facing eight counts each of reckless and negligent acts. If convicted, penalties may include imprisonment of up to two years, fines, or both.
The accused entered a not guilty plea in April 2022.
The incidents date back to 13 October 2020, when eight patients underwent cataract surgery at a private clinic in Nicosia.
According to the indictment, a post-operative infection linked to the bacterium pseudomonas led to severe complications, including vision loss and, in some cases, removal of the eye.
Two of the patients have since died before the case reached trial, adding further weight to concerns over delayed justice in the medical negligence proceedings in Cyprus.
Also read: Cyprus sees longer delays for new medicines
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