Ophthalmology Case ConsultingMalpractice · Personal injury · Civil Litigation

Expert review that brings a complex case into focus.

Board-certified ophthalmologist providing independent expert opinions on standard of care, causation, and visual impairment — with clear testimony for plaintiff and defense counsel across malpractice, personal injury, and civil litigation.

David Leach, MD, FACS, in his office
David Leach, MD, FACSBoard-certified ophthalmologistExperienced expert witness
26+
Years in practice
10+
Deposition & trial testimony
48hr
Initial merit screen
70/30
Plaintiff / defense

Scope of review

What is the standard of care? Was it met?

Malpractice work turns on the standard of care. Personal injury and civil work turn on causation, permanence, and damages. I review both — grounded in current clinical practice and peer-reviewed science.

/ 01 · MALPRACTICE

Cataract & refractive surgery

Posterior capsule rupture, dropped nucleus, IOL power and selection errors, LASIK and PRK outcomes, informed-consent disputes.

/ 02 · MALPRACTICE

Diagnostic delay & vision loss

Missed retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, endophthalmitis, and untreated glaucoma progression on inadequate therapy.

/ 03 · MALPRACTICE

Surgical & treatment complications

Injection and laser complications, medication and steroid-induced toxicity, and ophthalmic findings missed in the broader workup.

/ 04 · INJURY

Trauma & accident-related vision loss

Open-globe and orbital injury, chemical burns, surgical fires, and vision loss from auto, workplace, and assault cases — including triage failures.

/ 05 · CAUSATION

Causation vs. pre-existing

Whether the incident caused the visual deficit, or whether the finding reflects prior, degenerative, or unrelated disease.

/ 06 · DAMAGES

Impairment & disability rating

Permanent visual impairment and disability ratings, functional vision loss, and input on future treatment and life-care needs.

/ 07 · CIVIL

Product liability & toxic exposure

Ocular injury from devices, drugs, chemicals, and workplace or environmental exposure, with mechanism and causation analysis.

/ 08 · ALL MATTERS

Records review & IME

Independent medical exams, record review, and merit screening for plaintiff, defense, and insurance counsel.

/ 09 · ALL MATTERS

Testimony & reports

Signed reports, affidavits, deposition, and trial testimony that explain ophthalmic care and outcomes to a lay jury.

How an engagement works

A straightforward path from records to testimony

STEP 01

Conflict check

A short call to confirm no conflict and that the case fits my area of expertise before any records change hands.

STEP 02

Merit screen

An initial review of key records with a candid verbal opinion on whether the standard of care was met.

STEP 03

Written opinion

A signed report or affidavit setting out the basis for each opinion in plain, defensible terms.

STEP 04

Deposition & trial

Clear, composed testimony that explains ophthalmic care to a lay jury without overstating the science.

Qualifications

Qualified, and ready for the challenge

  • Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology — recertified 2014 & 2024
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (since 2005)
  • Private practice ophthalmologist & surgeon, ClearView Eye Clinic (Idaho)
  • Clinical Instructor, University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology
  • Medical Director, ClearView Surgery Center
  • President, North Idaho Medical Society; IMA Executive Board & Trustee
  • Peer-reviewed publications, invited CME lectures & grand rounds
  • Active medical licensure — Idaho & Washington
  • Managing Partner, ClearView Eye Clinic

What counsel can expect

  • An honest opinion, including when the records do not support a claim
  • Reports that separate fact, standard of care, and causation
  • Familiarity with deposition and cross-examination
  • Timelines that respect court and discovery deadlines
Download full CV (PDF)

Retained across the docket

Independent — not an advocate for either party

I take both plaintiff and defense engagements across malpractice, personal injury, and civil matters, because credibility on the stand comes from consistency, not from taking sides. Every review is held to the same standard regardless of who retains me.

Plaintiff counsel Defense counsel Personal injury Civil litigation Insurance / IME Pre-suit screening

Request a case review

Send the records. Get a clear read.

Share the matter type — malpractice, personal injury, or civil — along with the subspecialty, jurisdiction, and current posture of the case. I'll verify fit and check for conflicts, then walk you through next steps and discuss fees.

(208) 310-9536 · reviews@eyelitigation.com

Initial conflict check at no charge · Hourly review & testimony rates upon request