Case: Sympathetic ophthalmia following elective surgery

Abstract

In determining the adequacy of information provided by doctors to their patients, the English courts adopt the Bolam test - the standard of care of a responsible body of medical opinion - but following the decision in Rogers v Whittaker [1992] 175 CLR 479 Australian courts apply a different test - material risk to which a patient is likely to attach significance. This article provides a summary of the proceedings and judgment in this case, and discusses its contemporary significance.