The consultant, Sheraz Daya, spent more than a month testing the stability of his patient's vision before using laser technology to correct the sight in the apparently non-functioning eye.

BBC: Thalidomide poses new challenges

Professor John Henry, a consultant in toxicology at St Mary's said the testing could be done anonymously for the purposes of research, and would not prejudice the treatment of any patient.

BBC: Call for hospital drug testing

"You can't do any testing when Ebay changes its search technology and fees all the time, " says former Ebay seller and consultant Randy Smythe.

FORBES: Too Smart for its Own Good