A 19-month-old boy in India has reportedly been left permanently blind after a doctor allegedly administered a nasal spray into his eyes instead of eye drops during a hospital visit.
The incident reportedly took place on 29 May at a government hospital in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh. According to Indian media reports, the child’s father brought his son, identified as Vinay, to the hospital after the toddler developed symptoms of a cold along with redness and swelling in his eyes.
After examining the child, the attending doctor, identified as Himanshu Verma, allegedly used a nasal spray intended to relieve a blocked nose and applied it directly into the toddler’s eyes. The boy was then prescribed additional medication before being sent home.
Within hours, the child’s condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly, prompting his family to rush him to a district hospital before he was transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for specialist treatment.
Doctors later informed the family that the toddler had suffered permanent blindness in both eyes, with reports stating that the condition was directly linked to the alleged medical error.
Devastated by the diagnosis, the child’s father lodged a police report, saying his son’s life had been changed forever after what began as treatment for a cold and eye irritation.
Health authorities have since established a special investigation committee to examine the incident. Officials said a full inquiry is underway and legal action will be taken if negligence is established.
The case has sparked widespread concern over patient safety and medical standards, with many calling for accountability if the allegations are proven.
