Swansea eye doctor named in med mal complaint

A woman has filed suit against the Swansea doctor who she claims performed a number of unnecessary surgeries on her eyes, significantly impacting her ability to see.

Chelise Wooten claims Dr. Thomas N. Fleming treated her unspecified eye condition from June 2, 2009, through Sept. 25, 2009. During that time, however, Fleming failed to provide adequate medical care, according to the complaint filed Sept. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

For instance, Fleming allegedly failed to adequately evaluate Wooten's eyes; failed to properly perform a scleral buckling procedure, which is most commonly used to correct retinal detachment, on June 2, 2009; and failed to properly protect her eye during a procedure on July 21, 2009, and on Aug. 11, 2009, the suit states. In addition, he allegedly performed incorrect procedures on Aug. 11, 2009, Aug. 21, 2009, and Sept. 1, 2009; and failed to refer Wooten to a specialist who could meet her needs, the complaint says.

Because of Fleming's treatment, Wooten claims she suffered from a retinal detachment; vitreous syneresis, which cause floaters in the eye; and a significant loss of vision. She also incurred substantial medical costs, requires lifetime medical and assistive equipment, needs access to transportation services and home adapatation, suffered mental and physical pain and suffering and experienced an impaired ability to enjoy life, according to the complaint.

In addition to Fleming, Wooten names Eyecare Management and Illinois Retina Surgery as defendants, saying they employed Fleming.

In her complaint, Wooten is seeking more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

She will be appearing pro se.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-536.