CT Jury Clears Doctor in Eye Surgery Malpractice Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
The case of Dirgo v. Chin began with an eye surgery that left the patient with lasting complications. On February 26, 2019, Michael Dirgo of Ellington went to Ratchford Eye Center in Berlin, Connecticut, for a procedure called a laser iridotomy. The surgery was performed by ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel W. Chin, who was then practicing at the Eye Center.
A laser iridotomy is a common treatment used to relieve pressure in the eye by creating a small opening in the iris. Dirgo expected the surgery would improve his eye health and preserve his vision. Instead, he began to suffer light sensitivity, glare, halos, and headaches almost immediately afterward. Despite repeated follow-up visits, his symptoms continued for years. By 2022, he sought a second opinion at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, where he was told the procedure had been performed incorrectly.
Dirgo filed his lawsuit in April 2023, naming both Dr. Chin and Ratchford Eye Center as Defendants. He claimed medical negligence and asked for compensation for his injuries. The case moved through pleadings, discovery, and expert reviews before reaching trial in July 2025.
Cause
Dirgo’s complaint pressed two main counts: medical negligence against Dr. Chin and vicarious liability against Ratchford Eye Center.
Negligence by Dr. Chin
Dirgo claimed that Dr. Chin deviated from the accepted standard of care while performing the laser iridotomy. He alleged that Chin failed to administer preoperative medication to reduce the size of the pupil, used excessive laser energy, delivered too many laser shots, and placed the hole in the wrong location. According to
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