Frequently asked questions

I consult on medical malpractice, personal injury, workers' compensation, product liability, toxic exposure, and other civil matters involving the eyes or vision. Common issues include delayed diagnosis, surgical complications, traumatic injury, causation, permanent visual impairment, and future treatment needs.

Yes. I accept engagements from both plaintiff and defense counsel. My role is to provide an independent medical opinion based on the records, the applicable standard of care, the medical literature, and my experience as a practicing ophthalmologist.

Depending on the case, I may offer opinions regarding:

• Whether the applicable ophthalmic standard of care was met
• Whether an alleged departure caused or contributed to the claimed injury
• Whether vision loss resulted from trauma, treatment, pre-existing disease, or another cause
• The nature and permanence of visual impairment
• Prognosis and anticipated future treatment
• The reasonableness and medical necessity of care
• The relationship between objective findings and reported visual limitations

Yes. This is a frequent issue in ophthalmic litigation. Review may include comparison of prior and subsequent examinations, imaging, visual fields, operative findings, disease progression, and the known mechanism of injury. The goal is to determine what the evidence supports without attributing every later finding to the event in dispute.

Earlier is usually better. I can assist with pre-suit merit screening, case evaluation, discovery planning, preparation for depositions, rebuttal analysis, and trial testimony. Early review may help identify the central medical issues before substantial time and expense are committed.

We begin with a brief, no-cost discussion to identify the parties, perform a conflict check, determine whether the matter falls within my expertise, and clarify the questions counsel would like addressed. No confidential records should be sent until the conflict check has been completed.

The most useful initial materials typically include:

• A concise case summary or chronology
• Relevant ophthalmology and optometry records
• Operative reports
• Diagnostic images and test results
• Emergency department and hospital records
• Pertinent primary-care or specialty records
• Pleadings, discovery responses, and deposition testimony, when available
• Reports from other retained experts

A focused set of key records is often sufficient for an initial merit review. Additional materials can be requested if needed.

For a focused and complete record set, an initial merit screen can often be completed within 48 hours after the conflict check, engagement, and receipt of the necessary materials. Larger or more complex matters may require additional time. Urgent deadlines should be discussed at the outset.

Yes, when an in-person examination would materially assist the evaluation. The scope, location, testing, attendance, recording requirements, and production of a written report are established in advance with retaining counsel.

Yes. I provide preliminary verbal opinions, signed reports, declarations, and affidavits as appropriate. Written opinions clearly distinguish the medical facts, applicable standard of care, causation analysis, and the basis for each conclusion.

Yes. I provide deposition and trial testimony and work to explain complicated ophthalmic issues in accurate, understandable language. Availability should be confirmed as early as possible, particularly when court or discovery deadlines have already been set.

Only when the medical evidence supports it. An expert's responsibility is to provide an honest, defensible opinion, not to serve as an advocate for either party. If the records do not support the proposed claim or defense, I will say so directly.

A current fee schedule is provided after the preliminary conflict check. Fees, retainers, cancellation terms, travel expenses, and payment requirements are addressed in the written engagement agreement before substantive work begins.

Reach out with a brief description of the case, the names of the principal parties and involved clinicians, the jurisdiction, and any approaching deadlines. Please do not submit medical records or other confidential materials until the conflict check has been completed and secure transfer instructions have been provided.

No. Contacting me, discussing a potential case, or submitting information does not establish an expert-retention relationship and does not constitute medical or legal advice. An engagement begins only after conflict review and execution of a written agreement.