Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology Expert Witness

Ophthalmologist viewing patient's retina

An Ophthalmology expert witness is an Ophthalmologist who testifies on disease and injury of the sclera, cornea, iris, lens, vitreous, and retina.Ophthalmology is a specialized field dealing with the medical and surgical treatment of the eye. Ophthalmologists complete a complex four year residency that may be followed by extended fellowships in Vitreoretinal Disease (Retina Specialist), Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Ocular Oncology, or Neuro-Ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology and Optometry are different specialties. While Ophthalmologists are medical doctors possessing M.D. degrees, Optometrists complete a four-year postgraduate degree program to earn their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Optometrists evaluate general eye health and treat common conditions related to the eye and vision. Ophthalmologists are licensed to perform surgeries and treatments that extend beyond the scope of general Optometry.

Ophthalmologists may focus on common medical conditions such as near and far-sightedness (myopia and hyperopia) or glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye). Other common conditions include infections such as conjunctivitis, or injuries resulting in corneal abrasion or retinal detachment. While ocular tumors are rare, specialized Ophthalmologists treat tumors such as retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. Ophthalmologists are also trained in surgery and perform a wide range of procedures such as cataract surgery, laser vision surgery (LASIK), and ocular muscle surgery (myomectomy or myotomy). They also commonly perform oculoplastic surgeries such as blepharoplasty (“eye lift”), orbital reconstruction, and various cosmetic procedures such as injectable fillers and Botox®.  Given the diversity of practice, a carefully selected Ophthalmology expert witness is critical to each eye case.

Litigation against Ophthalmologists commonly involves allegations of incorrect surgical technique and complications of surgery, including bleeding, infection, and damage to adjacent structures. Missed or delayed diagnosis of vision-compromising conditions (e.g. glaucoma) is another common source of litigation in Ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology Case Matter

From common ophthalmic infections to acute ophthalmologic emergencies, Elite Medical Experts hand selects Ophthalmology expert witnesses for all aspects of Ophthalmology litigation and consultation, including:

  • Acute angle closure glaucoma
  • Amblyopia (“Lazy eye”)
  • Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (“AION”)
  • Astigmatism
  • Bacterial keratitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Blepharoplasty (“eye lift”)
  • Cataract surgery (Phacoemulsification, Intracapsular cataract extraction)
  • Central retinal artery occlusion
  • Chemical and ultraviolet burns
  • Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
  • Corneal transplant surgery
  • Cosmetic injectables (Botox®, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Restylane®)
  • Dacryocystorhinotomy (tear duct surgery)
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Horner’s syndrome
  • Ophthalmologic herpes (simplex, zoster)
  • Orbital blowout fractures
  • Posterior vitreal detachment
  • Pre-septal and orbital cellulitis
  • Refractive laser eye surgery (e.g. LASIK)
  • Retinal detachment
  • Ruptured globe
  • Strabismus
  • Temporal arteritis (i.e. giant cell arteritis)
  • Vitreoretinal surgery (e.g. retinal photocoagulation)

Given the breadth and subspecialization of Ophthalmology practice, an experienced Board-Certified Ophthalmology expert witness from a top university medical center is an invaluable asset for challenging cases. To secure a hand-selected Ophthalmology expert witness who is ready to work with you, please contact Elite Medical Experts and speak with a physician or nurse on Elite’s experienced Case Strategy Team today.

Head Shot of Dr. Burton Bentley II

Author Profile

Dr. Burton Bentley II, the CEO of Elite Medical Experts, is a nationally renowned authority on medical liability, informed consent, and complex issues at the intersections of medicine, law, and business. As a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and entrepreneur, Dr. Bentley founded Elite Medical Experts in 2010 while overseeing nearly a decade of year-over-year growth. Dr. Bentley also developed and patented a commercial medical device and co-founded Consent Spectrum, a state-of-the-art digital platform for informed consent in aesthetic medical procedures.  Outside of Elite, Dr. Bentley can be found spending time with his family and riding horses in Tucson’s riverbeds and deserts.

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