Eye specialist charged with manslaughter of eight-year-old patient

Updated

An eye specialist has been charged with manslaughter following the death of an eight-year-old patient.

Locum optometrist Honey Rose, 34, was formally charged after being summonsed to appear before South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court.

The charge relates to allegations of "gross negligence" resulting in the death of Vincent Barker from Ipswich on July 13 2013.

A key part of an optometrist's duties is to detect signs of disease or injury through eye examinations and to be aware of wider health conditions.

Keen footballer Vincent was a pupil at Dale Hall Primary School in Ipswich.

He died at his home in the town after it is understood he was taken ill at school.

Rose, from Newham, London, did not enter any plea at the magistrates' hearing on Tuesday.

She was released on bail until the next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court next week.

A provisional trial date was set for between January 25 and March 4 next year.

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