A pensioner was left blind after her GP misdiagnosed a sight-threatening condition as a mere eye infection.

Joan Foulis, 82, from Broadstairs, was actually suffering from close angle glaucoma which the doctor failed to investigate, instead prescribing a skin cream for her eyes.

The subsequent loss of her sight forced the pensioner into a care home and her family later sued for damages for what was deemed serious failings in her diagnosis.

They were awarded £235,000 for her care following the civil action against the GP, Dr Aatif Malik, who works at the Broadstairs Medical Practice.

But now, following a complaint by the family, the General Medical Council has decided no action is necessary against the doctor - nor to refer the case to the Medical Practictioners Tribunal Service.

Mrs Foulis sadly died in the care home in 2020 following a fall but her son says he is shocked the doctor has now escaped sanction.

Steve Foulis, 65, who also lives in Broadstairs, says his mother was treated disgracefully and if it wasn't for the doctor's failing, her sight might have been saved.

He added: "This pain has been compounded by the GMC’s unbelievable decision not to take any action against Dr Malik, as he has been on courses, apologised and that it was a one-off event a long time ago."

Mrs Foulis first went to see Dr Malik in May 2017 where she was wrongly diagnosed as having an eye infection. Her condition worsened over the next five days but, despite several calls to the surgery, she was not seen again by her GP.

During that time Dr Malik had prescribed skin cream that stated "wash out immediately if accidentally put in eyes" which was fortunately spotted by her son.

She later went to hospital where doctors diagnosed glaucoma and said that she was unlikely to ever regain her sight.

Dr Malik was later said to be "devastated" by the outcome.

"Dr Malik's examination skills in the case fell seriously below the standard expected of a competent GP..."

Mr Foulis added: "All of this was completely unnecessary. If the GP had diagnosed my mum's condition correctly or had at least referred her to an eye specialist, she may not have lost her sight. The standard of care was shocking."

An independent expert for the GMC found the doctor's inadequate examination skills in the case "fell seriously below the standard expected of a competent GP". It says he reduced the likelihood of prompting red flag signs for glaucoma and what should have been an emergency referral to hospital ophthalmology services.

But the GMC has ruled against disciplinary action, saying the incident was a "single episode" and that there was "no realistic prospect of demonstrating that Dr Malik was an ongoing risk".

His representatives said: "Dr Malik wishes to express his sincerest apologies to the patient’s family on the patient’s behalf.

"He is devasted that harm was caused to the patient whilst under his care. He has had a significant amount of time to reflect since these unfortunate events took place."

"The GP’s actions in her care were nothing short of a catalogue of errors..."

They add: "On reflection, Dr Malik treated the patient for conjunctivitis due to her presenting symptoms of watery eyes/blurred vision.

"He reached this diagnosis on the basis of the presenting symptoms and that the patient reported no pain, and initially reported no loss of vision.

"As soon as Dr Malik was informed that the patient had lost her vision on May 15, 2017, he made an urgent referral to the local hospital’s ophthalmology department."

Stephanie Prior, head of medical negligence at Osbornes Law, which supported the family's civil action, said: "Joan was an active and independent woman who lived alone until she unnecessarily lost her sight.

"The GP’s actions in her care were nothing short of a catalogue of errors and we are pleased that we were able to secure a financial settlement for the family because of the negligent care.

"Joan’s family are understandably devastated at what happened to her and the GMC ruling did little to assuage that pain.”