Malpractice insurance for Optometrists

Malpractice insurance for optometrists is essential as it’s is still a risk you face every day. Records from the National Practitioner Data Bank show that optometrist faced 2,813 malpractice cases, around 140 a year between 2000 and 2020. While only 30 percent of these cases actually result in payments awarded to the claimants, it is still a cause for concern. Even unsuccessful malpractice claims cost optometrists valuable time and reputation, as well as money.

Malpractice insurance is often considered the cornerstone of an optometrist’s insurance portfolio. It provides defense and damages coverage if a patient files a claim alleging negligence or error in the provision of professional services. The best malpractice insurance for optometrists not only protects financial stability but also preserves the practitioner’s reputation.

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

How much does malpractice insurance for optometrists cost?

The cost of insurance for optometrists varies widely based on the type of coverage, the geographic location of your practice and your claims history. It is also impacted by the scope of services offered, and the limits of liability chosen.

Professional Liability/Malpractice Insurance Annual premiums can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Newer practitioners or those in lower-risk areas may pay on the lower end of the spectrum, typically around $500 to $2,000 per year, while those in higher-risk locations or with a broader scope of practice might see premiums at the higher end.

Click here for a quick no-obligation quote on malpractice insurance.

Covers claims of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease, or ocular hypertension.
Protection for errors in spectacle or contact lens prescriptions, leading to vision impairment or injury.
Legal defense for failure to refer to ophthalmologists or specialists when advanced care is indicated.
Includes liability for prescribing therapeutic agents, treating eye infections, or managing chronic eye conditions.
Applies to pre- and post-operative co-management for refractive or cataract surgery (if applicable).
Covers documentation disputes, charting omissions, and patient communication breakdowns.
Optional protection for optometrists working in telehealth, mobile clinics, or multiple office locations.
Policy limits are available up to $1,000,000 per claim / $3,000,000 aggregate, with tail coverage and retroactive protection options available to accommodate employment transitions or regulatory needs.