Cataracts and co-management: a clinicolegal view.
Optometrists frequently diagnose and manage patients with age-related cataract. During the period before surgery, patients must be warned concerning the deleterious effects of the cataract on vision, and an appropriate eye health assessment must be performed to rule out the presence of coexisting disease. When optometrists refer patients to ophthalmologists for cataract surgery, if the surgery is negligently conducted, the optometrist is not responsible for the patient's injury unless the surgeon was not selected with due care. Optometrists who co-manage patients during the postoperative period should develop protocols for examination and communication with the surgeon because joint liability can result, involving both practitioners.
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D002386:Cataract / Q000628:therapy*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009907:Optometry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012017:Referral and Consultation