Optometrist faces manslaughter charge.

A locum optometrist is believed to be the first in Britain to be charged with manslaughter following the death of an eight-year-old boy.

Ms Honey Rose, 34, who was working at Boots in Ipswich, is accused of gross negligence after Vincent Barker died four months after a routine eye check-up in 2013.

One of optometrist's duties is to detect signs of disease or injury through eye examinations and to be aware of wider health conditions.

Vincent Barker died at his home in Ipswich on July 13, 2013, after being taken ill at his local primary school.

Ms Rose is currently suspended from practising by the General Optical Council’s fitness to practise committee.

The Association of Optometrists described the case as unprecedented and said: “We are aware that AOP member Honey Rose is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to a tragic event which is devastating for all involved.

“We are not aware of any previous criminal cases involving optometrists which relate to clinical matters. We are unable to comment further on the details of the case as this is now a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.”

Ms Rose, from Newham, London, did not enter any plea at an initial hearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court. A provisional trial date is set for between January 25 and March 4 next year.