Liability and ophthalmic drug use.

Ophthalmic drug use has been an aspect of optometry for more than two decades. Although utilization of these drugs has produced significant changes in the clinical and legal responsibilities of optometrists, the liability posture of the profession has remained unaltered. Studies of malpractice claims against optometrists and ophthalmologists have demonstrated that ophthalmologists are much more likely to be charged with negligence for adverse drug reactions and that drug-related malpractice claims are not a liability issue for optometrists. Based on the experiences of both professions, this paper describes the adverse effects of common ophthalmic drugs, with emphasis on those drug reactions that have resulted in litigation.