Doc tells of accused’s impaired vision

An optometrist has testified that he declared an accused man “legally blind” years before he is alleged to have committed a crime.

The accused, Walter Vernon Boucher, of Crab Hill, St Lucy is on trial before a nine-member jury charged with committing an act of indecent assault against a minor sometime between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016.

Today, eye specialist, Dr Edward St John told the trial presided over by Justice Randall Worrell that he examined the accused on December 20, 2012. He explained that Boucher complained about “cloudiness of vision” and suggested that his glasses needed changing. The doctor said he performed an exam using the Snellen chart which revealed that Boucher couldn’t see the largest letters on the chart with both eyes even while using the existing glasses.

“He was found to have bilateral high myopic degeneration to both eyes . . . . My impression was that this patient did not need a change in glasses as he was legally blind at that point in time,” said  Dr St John.

Under cross-examination, by Senior Crown Counsel Olivia Davis he further explained that there was no treatment for Boucher’s diagnosis and that legally blind did not necessarily mean totally blind.

Ask whether Boucher would be able to see anyone at arm’s length the doctor replied, “I think he may be able to make out a shape of a person but not details.”

Following the witness’ testimony Davis requested that the Crown re-opened its case to call a witness – Boucher’s spouse.  She cited a section of the Evidence Act as her ground for the request.

The matter continues tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.