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Malpractice Insurance for Optometrists

Malpractice insurance for optometrists 

Optometrists diagnose and manage a wide range of ocular conditions—from refractive errors and dry eye to glaucoma, retinal disease, and ocular infections. Although the specialty is considered lower-risk compared to surgical ophthalmology, optometrists still face exposure to malpractice claims tied to misdiagnosis, delayed referral, contact lens complications, prescription errors, and documentation gaps. Even minor oversights in eye examinations or imaging interpretation can lead to significant vision loss, making liability protection essential.

Insurance for optometrists must address these realities. Policies need to cover diagnostic errors, prescription disputes, therapeutic management, contact lens complications, pre- and post-operative co-management, and telehealth encounters.

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Malpractice Insurance for Optometrists can include:

  • Covers errors in eye exams, vision testing, and prescription of corrective lenses.
  • Includes protection for failure to diagnose conditions like glaucoma or retinal disease.
  • Applies to prescribing medications, contact lenses, and treating minor eye infections.
  • Coverage extends to in-office procedures, referrals, and documentation disputes.
  • Limits up to $1M per claim / $3M aggregate; tail and retroactive coverage available.

More information

Insurance for Optometrists can include:

Malpractice or liability insurance can provide essential protection against these risks:

  1. Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance)

    1. Covers claims involving diagnostic errors during eye exams, vision testing, imaging interpretation, or refractive evaluations.
    2. Protection for failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal tears, macular degeneration, ocular hypertension, or infections.
    3. Includes liability for spectacle and contact lens prescription errors leading to vision strain, injury, or impaired daily functioning.
    4. Defense for errors in prescribing or managing therapeutic agents such as antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, or glaucoma medications.
    5. Applies to pre- and post-operative co-management related to cataract or refractive surgery (when permitted).
    6. Covers charting omissions, incomplete documentation, missed follow-ups, or communication lapses with patients and referring providers.
    7. Optional coverage available for teleoptometry, mobile clinics, or multi-location practices.
    8. Limits available up to $1M per claim / $3M aggregate, with tail and retroactive protection available.

  2. General Liability Insurance

    1. Third-party bodily injury coverage for slips, falls, and accidents inside the practice.
    2. Property damage liability involving diagnostic equipment, office fixtures, or patient belongings.
    3. Personal and advertising injury protection for claims not tied to PHI (e.g., reputation disputes, advertising errors).
    4. Helps meet landlord, franchise, and referral network requirements.
    5. Standard limits include $1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate, with umbrella options available.

 

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The Cost of Malpractice Insurance for Optometrists:

Optometry is generally considered a low-to-moderate risk specialty, so premiums remain accessible for most practitioners.

Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance) – Estimated Ranges

  • Lower-risk or early-career optometrists: $500 – $2,000 per year
  • Broader therapeutic scope or high-risk states: $2,000 – $4,000 per year

General Liability Insurance – Estimated Ranges:

  • $300 – $800 per year
    (Often bundled with property coverage or a BOP.)

Key Pricing Factors

  • Scope of practice (therapeutic optometry vs. refractive-only)
  • Diagnostic imaging volume (e.g., OCT, fundus photography)
  • Claims or board complaints in the past
  • Whether contact lens fittings involve advanced or specialty lenses
  • Use of telehealth or nontraditional settings (mobile clinics, retail locations)
  • State litigation environment
  • Whether co-management of surgical patients is performed

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High-Risk Procedures and their Impact on your Premiums

 

Procedure / Service Description & Risks Insurance Impact
Laser or Surgical Procedures Includes LASIK, PRK, YAG capsulotomy, or therapeutic laser use beyond state optometry scope. Often refused or excluded entirely; considered outside typical optometric practice.
Injections or Minor Eyelid Surgery Intralesional steroid injections, chalazion excisions, or eyelid procedures. May trigger exclusions or declinations unless specifically endorsed and permitted by state law.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging OCT, fundus photography, visual fields; misinterpretation may delay diagnosis. 20–30% premium increase for practices relying heavily on imaging.
Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Management Managing glaucoma, uveitis, or infections with systemic or topical medications. Up to 50% surcharge based on medication type and follow-up requirements.
Specialty Contact Lens Fitting Keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, scleral lenses; higher risk of abrasion or infection. 15–25% increase depending on volume and complexity.
Teleoptometry / Remote Prescribing Risk of missed pathology without in-person assessment. 20–40% uplift; requires proof of licensure and compliant telehealth protocols.

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What types of Insurance do Optometrists need?

 
General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

General Liability covers medical expenses and attorney fees which result from bodily injuries and property damage that your facility or organization could be legally responsible for.
 
 
Business owner's policy (BOP insurance)

Business owner's policy (BOP) insurance

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance package designed for optometrists with small to medium-sized businesses. It provides a blend of liability protection and property insurance.
 
 
Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance overs any negligence or mistakes made by the individual optometrists during their practice. It differs from General Liability insurance, which covers the practice itself. 
 
 
Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance

This is relevant for optometrists who use a vehicle for practice-related tasks. This insurance covers you against auto accidents, theft, and other vehicle-related incidents.
 
 
workers compensation insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance is usually mandated by law. It protects optometry practices and employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
 
 
Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability Insurance

Covers you against financial losses associated with data breaches, cyber attacks, and other cyber incidents. Insurers will usually conduct rigorous testing of your online system to fix vulnerabilities as part of this policy.
 

Why Work With Homewood

Optometry looks simple to insurers—but coverage varies dramatically based on your scope of practice. Homewood helps ensure nothing is overlooked.

We help you:

  • Match with carriers that fully cover your therapeutic scope, imaging, contact lens services, and co-management duties.
  • Strengthen submissions by reviewing your documentation, referral processes, and diagnostic protocols.
  • Avoid hidden exclusions, especially around lasers, injections, or high-risk medications.
  • Secure competitive pricing by packaging GL + PL and accessing carriers comfortable with optometry-specific risks.
  • Protect multi-location or mobile practices with flexible policy structures and proper endorsements.

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Ralph Schiller

Ralph Schiller

Ralph specializes in sourcing the most suitable insurance for Optometrists at the best price. You can call him or fill out the form and he will get your message directly.