More People Say Former Charlotte Eye Doc Owes Them Money

CHARLOTTE, NC — Patients are trying to get their money back from former Charlotte eye doctor Jonathan Christenbury.

However, his bankruptcy attorney says that likely will not happen.

Patients contacted WCCB Charlotte for help, saying they paid for surgery they never received.

“I still haven’t gotten the surgery done. So, I wear contacts. I would love to have gotten lasic. I was excited about it,” said Josh Sinteff.

Sinteff says he put a $150 down payment on lasic surgery at Christenbury Eye Center in 2016.

Before he could schedule an appointment, sexual harassment accusations poured in from employees.

To read that report, click here.

Christenbury closed down his eye center in December, leaving patients with no answers about their money.

“It’s a pain,” said Sinteff.

Christenbury’s website says if you have concerns about accounts payable, you can write a letter.

“We never heard anything back,” said Sinteff.

You probably won’t, Christenbury’s bankruptcy attorney, David Badger, says.

“I don’t think any of my clients have ever picked up the phone and called 400 people to tell them that they were filing bankruptcy,” said Badger.

Because he filed for bankruptc, Badger says Christenbury might not have to pay anyone.

“I’m saying its a long shot under the circumstances. There’s a significant amount of debt,” said Badger.

Badger says more than 100 people, businesses and tax collectors want Christenbury to pay up.

Patients, employees and vendors want more than $3 million.

The IRS and NC Department of Revenue says he owes $1.2 million in taxes.

A trustee will determine if anyone gets paid in the bankruptcy case, and that could take more than two years.

“It’s not likely that he will be paying out anything,” said Badger.

Patients disappointed their complaints could go ignored.

“You can only get so worked up about it because, honestly, what can you do?” said Sinteff.

Christenbury Eye Center has not yet filed for bankruptcy, but attorneys expect that to happen this year.

You can try to get your money back by filing out a form online with the court system. Click here for that link.