Plaintiff Ophthalmology Expert Witness
Dr. Marc H. Shomer accepts carefully selected plaintiff engagements in matters involving ophthalmic malpractice, eye injury, and visual loss. What plaintiff counsel receives is independence: an early, candid assessment of whether the medical evidence supports the claim, and — where it does — opinions anchored in objective findings that hold up at deposition and trial.
What independence does for a plaintiff's case
A plaintiff's ophthalmic case is only as strong as its weakest medical link. An expert who tells counsel what they want to hear creates expensive problems later: theories that collapse at deposition, causation gaps exposed by the defense, and damaged credibility before the jury. Dr. Shomer's screening reviews are deliberately candid. When the evidence supports the claim, that candor becomes an asset — the same rigor that would have flagged a weakness now underwrites the opinion.
Typical plaintiff engagements
- Alleged surgical negligence in cataract, refractive, and other ophthalmic procedures
- Delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and neuro-ophthalmic disease
- Personal-injury claims with ocular trauma and permanent visual impairment
- Product, premises, and workplace claims involving chemical or mechanical eye injury
- Damages evaluation: objective measurement of visual disability and future care needs
How plaintiff engagements typically proceed
- Conflict check before any substantive discussion.
- Screening review of core records with a candid oral assessment — including weaknesses the defense will find.
- Full review and report when counsel elects to proceed: complete records, chronology, examination where appropriate, and a written opinion with transparent reasoning.
- Testimony support: deposition, trial, and consultation on the defense expert's opinions.
Note on independence: prior engagement in plaintiff matters implies no allegiance to plaintiff positions. Dr. Shomer accepts defense engagements as well, and his opinions are determined by the evidence, not the retaining party. Jurors and opposing counsel can verify this, which is precisely why it strengthens the opinions he gives.
Getting started
Submit a conflict-check request describing the matter, the parties, and the core allegation, together with key dates and deadlines. Records should not be sent until conflicts are cleared and secure transfer instructions are provided. See How to Retain an Ophthalmology Expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Dr. Shomer take any plaintiff case?
No. Engagements are selected after a conflict check and screening review. Cases the medical evidence does not support are declined or candidly flagged — which protects counsel's investment and preserves the credibility of the opinions given in cases that proceed.
Does plaintiff work compromise his neutrality?
No. He accepts both plaintiff and defense matters, and the analytical framework is identical in either posture. Opinions follow the evidence; the retaining party receives an honest account of what the record supports.
Can he evaluate damages as well as liability?
Yes. Visual impairment is measured objectively — best-corrected acuity, visual fields, and structural imaging — and future care needs can be addressed in the same evaluation. See the Visual Disability Evaluation page for the framework.
Educational information only. This page provides general information for attorneys and other medical-legal professionals. It is not medical or legal advice, does not address any particular case, and does not create a physician-patient, attorney-client, or expert-client relationship. Opinions in any matter are formed only after review of the specific records, examination findings, and applicable literature. Past engagements do not guarantee any result.
Board-certified ophthalmologist; Adjunct Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of USC; active California Qualified Medical Evaluator. Full biography · Curriculum vitae
Published August 2, 2026 · Last substantive review August 2, 2026 · Medical reviewer: Marc H. Shomer, MD, PhD, QME
Request a Conflict Check and Case Review
Submit the matter for conflict screening. Please do not send medical records or protected health information until conflicts are cleared and secure transfer instructions are provided.