Five Years After the Scandal: Trial of Ophthalmologists Begins in Cyprus

A trial has begun in Nicosia involving two ophthalmologists accused of causing eight patients to lose their sight due to complications following cataract surgeries in 2020.

The incident occurred in October 2020 at a private clinic where patients underwent surgery under the state General Healthcare System. Following the procedures, patients developed a severe infection—a resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa—leading to serious complications.

According to the investigation, the doctors used disposable medical supplies—eye drops, saline solution, and surgical instruments—in conditions that may have been unsafe.

The defendants face eight counts of negligence—one for each patient. If found guilty, the doctors could face up to two years in prison.

The consequences for the patients were devastating:

• Several people completely lost their vision,
• In some cases, doctors had to remove an eye,
• Four men and four women were affected.

Over the years of investigation, two victims have passed away. One patient, 79-year-old Christoulla Strati, died in 2021. Relatives link her death to complications from the surgery and the subsequent infection.

The legal process has dragged on for years: the incident occurred in 2020, charges were filed only in February 2022, and hearings have only just begun. The trial will continue in the coming months.