Tuskegee airman blames VA for botched eye surgery
Posted at: 11/11/2012 11:32 AM
By: The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A Rio Rancho man who served in the famed Tuskegee Airmen is blaming the VA hospital in Albuquerque for a botched eye operation.
John Edward Allen says a needle-like device called a cannula shot out of its syringe and into his eye during cataract surgery about a year ago.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the 83-year-old developed an eye infection that drops and steroid shots haven't cured.
There's also permanent scarring and vision impairment.
Allen's attorney says he faces the possible loss of sight in his right eye and is planning to sue the VA. The Department of Veterans Affairs contends the operation met the "standard of care," and that Allen signed a consent form acknowledging the risks involved.
The VA hospital in Albuquerque would not comment.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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