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Florida firefighter speaks out after being blinded in one eye by bacteria in recalled eyedrops

A Florida firefighter has spoken out after being left blind in one eye following an infection caused by a recalled eyedrop.

Walter Serpit, 44, of the Pensacola Fire Department, was using a recalled eyedrop solution to treat his dry eyes when the bacteria Bacillus cereus entered his bloodstream and caused an infection. As a result, Serpit was left with no vision in his left eye and a permanent disfigurement on his face.

“It’s been a very tough road for me,” Serpit told The Independent. “I’m a firefighter and I’m used to helping people in the community, so it’s been difficult to be on the other side of it and not be able to help.”

Serpit’s infection was caused by a contaminated batch of the eyedrop solution Opti-Free PureMoist, which was recalled by its manufacturer Alcon in April 2019 after the FDA found that the product had a potential to cause serious eye infections.

“I didn’t realize I had been using a recalled product until after I got the infection,” Serpit said. “The FDA warned consumers to stop using the product, but I hadn’t seen the warning.”

Serpit is now suing Alcon, alleging the company failed to warn consumers about the potential risk of infection.

“No one should have to go through what I have gone through,” he said. “I hope that my story can serve as a warning to others about the potential risks of using recalled products.”

Serpit’s lawsuit is ongoing, and he is hoping to receive compensation for the medical costs and emotional trauma he has suffered.