2026 Risk Management Programs
Clear Vision, Low Risk: Mastering Ophthalmology Malpractice Challenges
Presented by Dr. Goel and April Hitzelberger, Esq.
This 2-hour interactive course is designed for ophthalmologists and eye care professionals seeking to enhance their malpractice risk management strategies. Participants will explore best practices for serving as an effective expert witness while maintaining professional integrity and avoiding undue criticism of peers. The curriculum also covers critical legal obligations related to motor vehicle accident (MVA) reporting, as well as evidence-based approaches to determining the need for treatment and follow-up in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases. Through analysis of real-world closed claim studies, attendees will gain practical insights into common pitfalls, ethical dilemmas, and proactive measures to mitigate litigation risks in clinical practice.
Objectives
- Demonstrate strategies for providing balanced, effective expert testimony in malpractice cases without compromising collegial relationships or ethical standards.
- Explain ophthalmologists' legal and ethical obligations for reporting visual impairments in the context of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), including state-specific requirements and documentation best practices.
- Apply clinical guidelines to assess the necessity of treatment and follow-up for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), incorporating risk stratification and patient-centered decision-making.
- Analyze closed claim studies from ophthalmology malpractice cases to identify recurring themes, root causes of errors, and actionable steps to prevent similar incidents in their own practice.
- Integrate risk management principles into daily clinical workflows to reduce exposure to malpractice claims while upholding high standards of patient care.