Vision loss leads to suit against ophthalmologist

A man claims he has permanently lost the vision in his right eye after his doctor failed to adequately treat his medical problems.

James Thomas filed a lawsuit March 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dennis Elx.

In his complaint, Thomas alleges he visited Elx, an ophthalmologist, in March, April and May of 2011 to treat his unspecified eye condition.

However, Elx allegedly failed to timely evaluate Thomas’s condition, failed to assess changes in his condition and failed to adequately test Thomas to determine his clinical condition, according to the complaint. He also failed to provide necessary medication and failed to timely consult with Thomas’s treating ophthalmologist, the suit states.

Because of Elx’s actions, Thomas allegedly suffered permanent and continuing loss of the vision in his right eye; suffered pain, discomfort, fright, humiliation and mental and emotional distress; and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Thomas seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Joseph S. Rubin of The Rubin Law Firm in St. Charles will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-133.