Robert Maloney, MD, well known for his role on ABC's successful "Extreme Makeover," will be the defendant in a jury trial set for April 6, 2005 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Santa Monica, CA.  In a civil suit, Maloney has been charged by one of his LASIK patients with negligence, battery, and fraud.  The case will be heard in the Los Angeles Superior Court at Santa Monica.

The case stems from injuries inflicted on Judy Chang, a patient of Dr. Maloney's, in 2000. Chang alleges that Maloney performed a non-FDA approved LASIK procedure for vision correction without her knowledge and consent.  Not only did Chang suffer permanent vision loss but metallic debris were  embedded in her eyes as a result of the procedure.

Chang alleges that Maloney and his staff knowingly concealed that the LASIK procedure performed was non-FDA approved despite the fact that she was given assurances that it was FDA approved.

A detailed cause of action can be obtained from the LA County Clerks office.

LASIK vision correction surgery, much like the recently prescription drugs Vioxx and Celebrex, became a bestseller on the strength of advertising aimed directly at consumers.  Similarly, the LASIK patient "informed consent" has become a hot bed for litigation due to omissions and bait-and-switch tactics.