An ophthalmology expert witness is a medical practitioner who testifies the disease and injury of the cornea, iris, lens, vitreous, and retina. Ophthalmology is the specialized field that deals with the medical and surgical treatment of the eye.
About the Ophthalmology Expert Witness
Ophthalmologists complete a complex four-year residency that may be followed by extended fellowships in Vitreoretinal Disease (Retina Specialist), Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Ocular Oncology, or Neuro-Ophthalmology. Dr. Lefkowitz is an expert ophthalmology witness from the USA. He has worked as an ophthalmologist expert witness in many cases.
How things work here?
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 treat common conditions and evaluate general eye health related to the vision and eye.
- Ophthalmologists are licensed to perform treatments and surgeries that extend beyond the scope of universal 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 accomplished in surgery and implement a wide range of procedures such as laser vision surgery (LASIK), cataract surgery, and ocular muscle surgery (myomectomy or myotomy).
How do they help in legal matters?
Missed or delayed diagnosis of vision-compromising conditions (e.g. glaucoma) is another common source of litigation in Ophthalmology. Dr. Lefkowitz knows that these cases are time-sensitive, and once the case is received, he offers the quickest turnaround time. He is the best ophthalmology expert witness you can meet.
How to become one?
Only an expert ophthalmology witness, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, can be utilized in legal matters as consultants. Founded in 1916, the American Board of Ophthalmology is one of 24 specialty Boards that is recognized by the American Medical Association. It was the first-ever American Board that started certifying medical specialists. Through a rigorous certification process, the American Board of Ophthalmology strives to promote the quality of ophthalmic practice.
Internship and training
Ophthalmologists who qualify for certification are graduates of medical school, who have undergone internship and training at a recognized ophthalmology residency program. A formal testing process for certification includes a two-day examination that assesses the knowledge, experience, and skills of a physician applicant. A variety of topics that includes optics, refraction, comprehensive ophthalmology, and retina are tested by written and oral examinations.
Legal Experience matters
Dr. Lefkowitz has been ophthalmologist expert witness of both plaintiff and defense in a broad spectrum of cases:
- Courtroom testimony as an expert retained by U.S. Attorney General
- Courtroom testimony as an expert in disability hearings by Social Security Administration
- Deposition testimony as ophthalmology expert retained in a patent infringement case
- Courtroom testimony in medical liability cases
Check this also : bo parfet Michigan
Conclusion
Many private entities and public organizations specifically seek ophthalmologists who are board-certified. Certification of ophthalmologists by the American Board of Ophthalmology supports the qualifications and credibility of an ophthalmologist when they serve as a legal consultant or expert witness.