Avoiding liability in contact lens practice.

Abstract

Contact lens practice is the leading source of liability claims involving optometrists. Claims most often allege negligence, although informed consent or product liability may also be causes of legal claims for damages. For daily wear patients, the most likely causes of claims are nonapproved use of lenses or solutions, monovision contact lenses, negligence by a contact lens technician, failure to verify lenses before dispensing, mismanagement of contact lens-related corneal abrasions, and inadequate monitoring of ocular health. For extended-wear patients, the most common sources of liability claims are inappropriate patient selection, inadequate training of patients, improper wearing schedules, improper management of contact lens-related corneal complications, and inadequate monitoring of ocular health.