1. Forms
2. PR
3. PR-00-11

What the form is

The PR 00 11 Optometrists Professional Liability Coverage Form is a standard insurance policy form developed by ISO that provides professional liability (malpractice) insurance to optometrists on an "occurrence" basis. This means the policy covers claims for incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is actually reported, subject to policy terms and conditions. The form agrees to pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of injury arising out of an "optometric incident". An "optometric incident" is generally defined as an act or omission in the providing of, or failure to provide, professional optometric services. All related acts or omissions in furnishing such services to any one person are typically considered one optometric incident.

Classes of business it applies to

This form is specifically designed for:

• Individual optometrists
• Optometry practices or groups

For example, a solo practitioner optometrist or a multi-optometrist clinic would utilize this form to protect against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the professional services they render to patients. This could include incorrect prescriptions, failure to diagnose eye conditions, or injuries resulting from eye examinations or procedures.

Special considerations

• Occurrence Basis: A key feature is that it's an occurrence policy. This provides long-term protection for incidents occurring during the policy term, even if the claim is made years later. This differs from a claims-made policy (like the PR 00 12 for optometrists) which requires the claim to be first made against the insured and reported to the insurer during the policy period or an extended reporting period.
• Scope of Services: Coverage is tied to "optometric incidents" arising from professional optometric services. It's important to ensure that all services provided by the insured optometrist fall within this scope or that additional coverage is secured if necessary.
• Individual and Group Coverage: The insuring agreements on PR 00 11 can offer coverage for both individuals and groups (e.g., an optometry partnership or corporation).

Key information for agents and underwriters

• Definition of "Optometric Incident": This definition is crucial as it dictates the breadth of coverage. Underwriters need to understand the specific types of optometric services the applicant provides.
• Comparison to Other Forms: This form closely tracks with the Physicians, Surgeons and Dentists Professional Liability Coverage Form (PR 00 01), but is tailored for the specific risks of optometrists.
• Limits of Liability: The policy will have specific limits, typically an "Each Optometric Incident Limit" (referred to as "Each Medical Incident Limit" in some contexts ) and an "Individual Professional Liability Aggregate Limit" or a similar aggregate limit for the practice.
• Risk Assessment: Underwriters should evaluate the optometrist's experience, claims history, patient volume, types of procedures performed (e.g., if they co-manage surgical patients or perform advanced procedures), and staff qualifications.
• Deductibles: Endorsements like PR 03 03 may be used to apply deductibles to each optometric incident.