Optometry is a specialized health care practice that is focused on eyes and vision. The Georgia Optometric Association reports that there are approximately 900 licensed optometrists in the state. Optometrists are licensed medical professionals. They must abide by high standards of care. You may be wondering: Can an optometrist be sued for medical malpractice? In Georgia, the answer is “yes”—an eye doctor can be held liable if their professional negligence leads to patient harm. Here, our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers provide an overview of the key things to know about holding an optometrist liable for medical malpractice.
Examples of Optometrist Errors
Your vision matters. Mistakes by an eye doctor can cause serious harm to patients—it could even put their eyesight at risk. Some of the most common examples of optometrist errors include:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis of Eye Diseases: An eye doctor may fail to properly diagnose conditions—such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can prevent timely treatment and cause the worsening of the patient’s condition. It could even cause vision loss.
- Failure to Detect Serious Underlying Health Conditions: Optometrists and ophthalmologists sometimes miss signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or brain tumors during routine exams. In fact, the eyes are often what reveals early symptoms of these conditions, and failure to refer a patient for further medical evaluation may lead to serious consequences.
- Surgical Errors in LASIK or Cataract Procedures: Ophthalmologists who perform surgeries like LASIK or cataract removal must exercise extreme caution. Mistakes such as cutting too deeply, using defective equipment, or failing to provide proper post-operative care can result in permanent vision impairment. If a patient suffers avoidable complications due to a surgeon’s negligence, they may have a valid malpractice claim.
- Failure to Properly Treat an Eye Injury or Eye Infection: Finally, eye doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating eye injuries or infections promptly and correctly. If an optometrist or ophthalmologist fails to prescribe the appropriate treatment, the condition can worsen. The patient may suffer severe pain and long-term vision problems.
An Optometrist Can Be Held Liable for Medical Malpractice in Georgia
An optometrist is a licensed medical professional. They can be held liable for medical malpractice if their negligence contributed to patient harm. To hold an eye doctor legally responsible for medical malpractice in Georgia, you must prove that:
- A doctor-patient relationship was formed;
- The optometrist provided substandard care; and
- The patient suffered harm because of negligent care.
An Affidavit from a Qualified Expert is Required to Pursue a Claim
In Georgia, you must file an affidavit from a qualified expert to pursue a malpractice claim. The affidavit—which must be signed by a licensed and qualified medical professional in the proper field—should clearly state that the optometrist or ophthalmologist violated the standard of care and contributed to your injury/medical complications. leading to your injury. Without this document, your case may be dismissed before it even begins. An experienced Georgia medical malpractice lawyer can help you connect with the right expert witness for your case.
Patients Need Justice and the Maximum Compensation
Were you the victim of malpractice by an optometrist in Georgia? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. Sadly, the medical malpractice insurers companies that defend optometrist error claims can be extremely aggressive. They fight hard to deny liability and/or resolve cases for less. Our Atlanta optometrist medical malpractice attorneys fight for the maximum compensation, including for:
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills;
- Additional optometrist care;
- Eye surgeries;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Partial or full blindness.
Why Rely On Our Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Did you or your loved one suffer any type of serious medical complications after getting care from an optometrist? You may have been the victim of medical malpractice. Optometrists are licensed medical professionals. They can be held liable if their negligence contributes to patient harm. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we put the rights of people first. Our firm knows how to hold medical malpractice insurers accountable—including in optometry malpractice cases. With millions recovered for clients, our verdicts and settlements demonstrate what we can do in complex cases.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta Medical Negligence Attorneys
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia medical malpractice lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions or concerns about suing an optometrist for medical negligence, we are here as a legal resource. Give us a call now or contact us online to set up your free, no strings attached case evaluation. With offices in Atlanta and Augusta, we handle medical malpractice cases all across Georgia.