Ophthalmologists are medical professionals that are exceptionally trained in eye: anatomy, pathology, function, and diagnosis and treatment. Medical experts, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, are often used by both plaintiff and defense legal teams as expert witnesses and medical consultants in many legal matters, including an array of personal injury cases. Expert ophthalmology consultants can be invaluable in helping an personal injury attorney analyze the merit, strength, and weakness of their eye-related personal injury cases and or what type of compensation is appropriate for specific damages.

The American Board of Ophthalmology was established in 1916 as the first American board that served to certify medical specialists. It remains today as one of only twenty-four specialty boards that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. It is a non-profit organization with a mission to use certification and certification maintenance to foster excellence and encourage continual learning, which improves the quality of the ophthalmic practice for the general public. Affiliation is reflective of high knowledge and skill related to the field of ophthalmology.

The process for certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is meticulous. For an ophthalmologist to meet the criteria for certification, he/she must be a medical school graduate that has completed training and internship through a residency program recognized in ophthalmology.

Once the above criteria are met, the ophthalmologist must complete a two-day formal certification examination to assess ophthalmology experience, skill, and knowledge on topics such as: refraction, optics, retina, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, comprehensive ophthalmology, and pediatric ophthalmology. This certification exam includes an oral and written portion. The oral portion is administered by exceedingly qualified ophthalmologists that are chosen for their devotion and effort to support their professional and occupational standards.

Those that successfully pass the American Board of Ophthalmology certification exam are referred to as a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. However, the certification does not amount to an increased legal standing or status privilege.

Board certified ophthalmologists are sought by the general public specifically for their knowledge and skill level. Many lawyers utilize American Board of Ophthalmology certified ophthalmologists as expert witnesses and legal consultants in personal injury cases for the physicians' unique knowledge and skill level and because the American Board of Ophthalmology is representative of creditability.