Medico-legal aspects in ophthalmology in India

Abstract

The practice of ophthalmology has advanced exponentially due to technology. This has raised the bar of medical care from acceptable visual acuity to the highest precision in acuity. In such an era, it is the need of the hour to be aware of the medico-legal implications in ophthalmology to avert any lawsuits. Lawsuits can be due to breach of confidentiality, inadequate consent, negligence, unmet expectations in a procedure, etc. The majority of lawsuits are related to cataract and corneal surgeries, but the instances of lawsuits related to retinal conditions are on the rise, especially those related to screening of Retinopathy of prematurity resulting in huge sums of compensations. The awareness of regulations can guide the healthcare professionals in such instances. These include the knowledge of laws governing every step of practice and the rights of both healthcare professionals and patients. In addition, clear communication regarding the risks, benefits, and outcomes of the procedure, strict adherence to guidelines, and meticulous documentation are effective tools to avoid litigations. This review article aims to describe various regulations governing the practice of ophthalmology, implications in everyday practice, and steps to safeguard against lawsuits.