Coneal ulcer caused by contact lenses

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint and request guidance regarding a serious medical complication my daughter suffered after being provided with a sample contact lens by Spec-Savers. A standard appointment was made with Mariaan Rossouw at 3pm on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. We left the practice with a sample contact lens for my daughter to use while waiting for her prescribed lenses to be ordered and delivered. That same evening, after wearing the sample lens for approximately one hour, my daughter began complaining that her eye felt as though something was stuck in the lens. She immediately removed it as her eye had become extremely irritated and painful. That night, she was in such severe pain that she was unable to sleep. We rushed her to the first available doctor’s appointment at 8am on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. We were informed that the situation was serious and were urgently referred to Dr Steyn, an eye specialist. Her first appointment with the specialist was on Thursday, 29 January 2026. Dr Steyn was extremely concerned and diagnosed her with a corneal ulcer. He confirmed that this condition was caused by the contact lens sample provided by Spec-Savers. (I am able to provide photographs and full medical reports if required.) To date, my daughter has had seven consultations with the specialist, and treatment is ongoing. Unfortunately, my medical aid hospital plan does not cover these specialist fees. The total cost so far is approximately R14,000 (excluding the most recent appointment), and we are required to continue with specialist visits and medication until advised otherwise. We were also informed by Dr Steyn that there is a possibility my daughter may never fully regain proper vision in the affected eye. I have retained all invoices and proof of payment for the medical expenses incurred. I would greatly appreciate your guidance on how to proceed in seeking compensation from Spec-Savers (or the supplier of the sample contact lenses) for the financial costs and potential long-term damage caused. Thank you for your assistance and advice in this matter. I look forward to your response. Kind regards, Gail Perkins