Professor Simon Barnard
PhD FCOptom FAAO FEAOO DipCLP DipClinOptom DipTh(IP)
Optometrist
Professor Simon Barnard has acted as expert witness in over 500 medico legal cases over many years. He has prepared expert reports on the instructions of solicitors representing patients, optometrists and multiple corporate bodies.
His cases are split approximately 50/50 between providing evidence to solicitors acting for patients alleging breach of duty and solicitors acting for optometrists including attendance at a number of General Optical Council Fitness to Practise hearings.
Most of the cases Professor Barnard has acted in relate to alleged undiagnosed glaucoma, retinal detachment, ocular tumours, neurological issues, strabismus, amblyopia. children’s eye care and optometrists' involvement in refractive surgery.
He has also provided evidence relating to standards of clinical record keeping, alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a patient, a case of a road traffic accident and one criminal case.
Subject to capacity, Professor Barnard will usually prepare an expert report within 28 days although, if a more urgent preparation is required, a shorter time scale may be possible.
Professor Barnard is accredited with the Expert Witness Certificate (Civil) from the School of Law & Politics, Cardiff University and has attended the Bond Solon course Working as an Expert Witness in the Irish Legal System.
