[Basics for the Preparation of an Ophthalmological Expert Assessment]

The position of the ophthalmologist as an unbiased and impartial expert in the field of tension between the client and the patient is a responsible task that should not be underestimated. Since the ophthalmological expert assessment often has far-reaching legal and financial consequences, it is very important that it is both formally correct and of high quality. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly common to find that the examinations required for the preparation of an expert opinion are not carried out optimally, that findings are not substantiated or that formalities are not adhered to correctly. This article will therefore explain how to draw up a correct ophthalmological expert assessment that is legally unassailable. This article deals, among other things, with the most important principles that must be considered in every expert assessment, regardless of the type of assessment. It deliberately does not deal with details that have to be considered in the different types of reports. This is then done in planned follow-up articles.