CLT Eye Doctor Accused of Using Cocaine While Working

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a document filed by the North Carolina Medical Board Friday, new, alarming accusations against once prominent and now disgraced Charlotte eye doctor, Jonathan Christenbury. The 13 page filing details, in part, allegations of substance abuse.

In one instance, in October 2017, Christenbury is accused of showing up nearly three hours late to work, unable to walk straight, and slurring his speech. Later that same day, a patient allegedly requested to see a different doctor because Christenbury tried to operate on the same eye twice.

A few days later, an anesthesiologist canceled Christenbury’s remaining procedures after allegedly witnessing the doctor stumble and act abnormally during two earlier procedures.

The next month, in November, the board investigators told Christenbury they wanted a hair sample from him for drug testing. He allegedly told them the hair sample would test positive for cocaine. He told investigators he used cocaine in October to help with depression, but hadn’t used it again. But a urine test the next day showed the doctor had recently used cocaine again.

The next day, Christenbury surrendered his North Carolina license.

The filing also details a pattern of workplace sexual harassment allegations against Christenbury. Similar accusations already forced Christenbury to close down his practice in December. The North Carolina Medical Board will hold a hearing in June in Raleigh.