Policyholder Services

Do I need coverage for my optical shop?

Many OMIC insureds operate optical shops as extensions of their private practices. Although claims against optical shops are not common, optical shops are not immune from exposure. Incidents from contact lens fittings, the filling of contact lens or eye glass prescriptions, and premises exposures may arise. For this reason, OMIC offers professional and limited premises liability coverage for services rendered at optical shops. Products liability and other general liability exposures, however, are excluded. Download the Optical Shop Application.

Availability of coverage for optical shops is based on the categories of clientele it serves (e.g. patients of the owner-ophthalmologist’s practice, referrals from other ophthalmologists and optometrists, and walk-ins) and on the composition of its ownership. If the qualified optical shop is not separately incorporated, coverage is automatically included under the policy; no endorsement is necessary. Separately incorporated optical shops must be specifically named on the Declarations page in order for coverage to apply. When approved, the optical shop shares the limits of liability with the owner-ophthalmologist. Because of state patient compensation fund rules prohibiting the sharing of limits, optical shop coverage is not available in Kansas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin.

Due to the limited coverage extended under the OMIC policy, optical shops may wish to purchase a commercial general liability (CGL) or business owners (BOP) policy that includes products liability, general liability, and professional liability coverages under one package policy.