Horry County optometrist drugged patient and planned Las Vegas wedding in act of coercive control, lawsuit claims

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — An Horry County eye doctor took her drugged patient to Las Vegas for a “commitment ceremony” after repeatedly making sexual advances during his clinic visits, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

Jonathan Garrick on Friday sued Carla J. Blankenship, an optometrist at Coastal Vision Center, on grounds of battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud and negligence in Horry County Common Pleas Court.

Garrick — who joined the practice as a patient in 2021 — started receiving treatment from Blankenship in April 2023. Shortly after his first appointment with her, Blankenship send him a personal greeting card inviting him on a date, according to the complaint.

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Her actions escalated during future visits, Garrick alleges…

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