CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A former prominent Charlotte eye doctor faces multiple lawsuits after three women filed claims of sexual harassment and assault claims against him.
On Wednesday, in his first public statement since surrendering his medical license last week, Dr. Jonathan Christenbury said he’s decided to close his office and leave the medical field for "health reasons."
[READ: Christenbury Eye Center closing announcement]
In the post, he didn't mention his legal troubles or that he voluntarily gave up his medical license.
Christenbury is also facing a medical malpractice lawsuit after a patient claimed cataract surgery performed by him left her blind in one eye, which led to it being removed.
PAST COVERAGE:
- Prominent Charlotte eye doctor 'maintains a sexually hostile work environment,' lawsuit says
- Prominent Charlotte eye doctor surrenders medical license
- More accusations of sexual harassment surface against Charlotte eye doctor
Former patients of Christenbury’s told Channel 9 that they were caught off guard by the allegations and his decision to leave the medical field, and asked Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke about next steps.
Gary and Dee Daniel live in Rockwell, but said they liked Christenbury so much, they didn't mind driving the 41 miles to Charlotte for appointments.
"You want somebody that's good for your eyes," Dee Daniel said.
In fact, they were supposed to have appointments this week.
"Now, we're in basic limbo because we don't know who to go to," Gary Daniel said.
The North Carolina Medical Board said it’s Christenbury’s responsibility to "help patients through this transition," even though he no longer has his license and the doors to his office have closed.
RECORDS
If former patients want a copy of their records, they need to fill out a medical information release form, then email it to medicalrecords@christenbury.com or fax it to (704) 364-7384. Anyone who has trouble getting their records should file a complaint with the North Carolina Medical Board.
REFUNDS
If former patients have questions about money, they should send a detailed email to billing@christenbury.com. If they have trouble getting a refund and paid by credit card, they should dispute the charge. If that doesn't work, they should file a complaint with the attorney general's office.
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