Optical Express Faces High Court Libel Battle Over Alleged 'Character Assassination' Campaign
Optical Express, a prominent high street laser eye surgery provider, has been accused of orchestrating a 'character assassination' campaign against consumer rights activist Sasha Rodoy. Ms Rodoy, who runs the website 'Optical Express Ruined my Life' to connect dissatisfied patients, is now engaged in a High Court legal dispute after filing a libel lawsuit against the company.
Allegations of Malicious Intent and Reputation Damage
According to court documents, Optical Express allegedly retained the public relations firm Luther Pendragon to monitor Ms Rodoy's activities and compile materials described internally as a 'straightforward character assassination'. The activist claims that between July 2020 and November 2021, the company sent letters to former patients labelling her as a 'vexatious individual' and a 'self-confessed and known fraudster'.
Ms Rodoy further alleges that Optical Express informed ex-customers she engaged in severe online trolling, necessitating police involvement. She contends this deliberate smear campaign caused some recipients to question her advice and, in several instances, withdraw their complaints against the company.
Optical Express Denies Liability and Defends Its Actions
Optical Express, founded around 1991 and boasting over 130 stores across the UK and Ireland, vehemently denies any wrongdoing. The company asserts that the allegations against Ms Rodoy are substantially true and argues that the letters it distributed did not cause the 'serious harm' required under the Defamation Act 2013.
The firm maintains it was justified in disclosing information it held about Ms Rodoy, portraying her as an unreliable and unqualified source of advice for patients. Optical Express claims it hired Luther Pendragon in 2014 to compile a document containing personal details about the activist's life, intended to undermine her credibility, though unrelated to eye surgery.
Background of the Activist and the Dispute
Sasha Rodoy initiated her campaign against laser eye surgery practices after an operation by another provider, Optimax, which she says 'ruined her life'. She claims the treatment left her disillusioned with what she describes as 'corrupt' activities by high street clinics that allegedly fail to fully disclose procedural risks. Since then, she has endeavoured to assist 'thousands of people' following similar surgeries.
However, Ms Rodoy alleges that Optical Express has systematically attempted to damage her reputation to shield itself from negative publicity and substantial compensation claims. The company has countered by accusing her of fabricating a story about an agency called Decoy Dolls, which purportedly used actresses to entrap unfaithful spouses.
Historical Conduct and Current Allegations
Ms Rodoy appeared on various chat shows and in publications discussing Decoy Dolls over a two to three-year period. She insists in court that the agency was not a 'hoax', noting that most media outlets were aware it was not a real operation, and that it ceased by 1997 within the context of tabloid media.
The activist argues that her 'historical' conduct cannot substantiate the present-tense accusation that she 'is a fraudster'. She maintains her campaign is focused on exposing unethical practices in the laser eye surgery industry and denies any intent to harass Optical Express staff members.
The libel case continues in the High Court, with both parties presenting conflicting narratives about the motives and actions involved in this contentious dispute.
