Byron H. Demorest

Retinopathy of prematurity requires diligent follow-up care☆

Medicolegal risk to those who examine for complications of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants is very high. A protocol for examination and follow-up of ROP babies is needed. This outline should involve the hospital, the neonatal unit, the neonatologist and the ophthalmologist. Communication with parents about the risks of ROP is also essential.

Introduction to Symposium on Newer Developments in Medicolegal Problems

The possibility of involvement with a medical liability problem threatens all physicians. Since the so-called malpractice crisis in the 1970s, increased attention has been given to risk management. Liability insurance carriers, as well as professional organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, have been active in this area and have followed all the latest developments in medicolegal problems. The history of casualty and liability insurance is interesting. Although such insurance has been available since the thirteenth century when marine insurance was offered to shipowners through underwriters gathered in London coffee houses, the first record of casualty insurance in the United States occurred in 1864 when the Travelers Insurance Company offered accident insurance for railroad

Coming Out of the Office: The Need for Local Involvement

Abstract Practicing ophthalmologists represent a potent broad-based resource group uniquely capable of educating the public about the excellence of ophthalmologic care. Leaders of American ophthalmology have recognized the importance of involvement by individual ophthalmologists in public education. It is essential that each ophthalmologist learn to work closely with news media representatives in order to publicize the activities, actions, and policy decisions of the Academy and the Association. It is time for all ophthalmologists to “come out of the office” and become advocates for their patients, informing the public about the advantages of medical eye care.

Comparison of State Legislation Regarding Professional Liability

The so-called malpractice crisis of the mid-1970s alerted physicians to the need for legislative involvement in order to achieve needed malpractice tort reform. There has been a positive effort to modify the medical liability situation in each of our 50 states. A review of this legislative activity from 1975 through 1977 is presented. It is anticipated that a new malpractice crisis may develop during the early 1980s. Actuarial data now being collected plus the effects of such innovations as arbitration, pretrial screening panels, collateral source rules, and periodic funding of malpractice claims may provide an equitable approach to any future malpractice tort reform.