Aspects médico-légaux et expertises en ophtalmologie

An ophthalmologic expert opinion may be required in various situations (aptitude tests, sick leave controls, evaluation of bodily damages, etc) by various entities (government services, courts of law, welfare organizations, insurance companies, etc). Such expert opinion necessitates extensive knowledge of the ophthalmologic sequelae pathology and of the regulatory framework of these organizations. In this regard, the present chapter describes the French legal system and basic medico-legal principles. The methods and pitfalls related to the forensic examination are presented. The legal obligations of both practitioners and care centres have been fixed by the law of March 4, 2002. This law fixes also the conditions for compensation in case of damage due to medical error. A new provision included in this law is the compensation given in some cases of hazard, without error. Specific aspects of expert opinion in medical responsibility are also detailed.