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Ms Saimah Farooq

Optometrist BSc, PGCE, QTS oxon
Claimants and DefendantsRemote AppointmentsFace to Face Appointments4+ Patients

Medico-Legal Experience

Ms Farooq is a highly experienced Optometrist and Independent Expert Witness, currently practising as a resident Optometrist. She has extensive clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, and optometric management of a broad range of ocular conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic eye disease, corneal pathology, and retinal conditions, including retinal detachments. She has significant expertise in clinical decision-making, development of appropriate management and aftercare plans, and the identification of cases requiring timely referral through established NHS and community-based clinical pathways.

Ms Farooq has completed the Bond Solon Excellence in Report Writing course and is familiar with the duties and responsibilities of an expert witness under CPR Part 35. She is regularly instructed in medico-legal matters and has experience across a range of legal contexts, including clinical negligence, personal injury, and criminal defence.

Ms Farooq is experienced in reviewing clinical records, identifying relevant factual issues, and providing clear, reasoned, and evidence-based opinions. Her reports are structured, objective, and compliant with medico-legal requirements, and she is recognised for her ability to explain complex optometric findings in a manner accessible to legal professionals and the court.

Ms Farooq is known for her professionalism, independence, and commitment to impartiality, and is regularly approached for expert witness instructions on the basis of her clinical insight and high professional standards. She is willing and able to provide written reports, respond to Part 35 questions, prepare joint statements, and give oral evidence in court when required.

Ms Farooq has extensive experience in cases associated with:

Ocular conditions/deterioration and pathologies:

  • Signs and symptoms of conditions such as:
    • Glaucoma
    • Cataract
    • Macular degeneration
    • Diabetic eye disease
    • Keratoconus
    • Dry eye disease
    • Defects in vision
    • Signs of injury
    • Abnormality (asthenopia/visual discomfort, conjunctivitis (allergic, bacterial, viral), corneal abrasion/scarring)
  • Appropriateness and timeliness of referral to ophthalmology or other services
  • Whether monitoring intervals were reasonable
  • Problems with general health/tumours:
    • Neurological issues
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
  • Floaters
  • Contrast sensitivity
  • Visual fields (screening-level interpretation)
  • Binocular vision and depth perception
  • Glare sensitivity
  • Visual fatigue and asthenopia
  • Contact lens practice:
    • Hygiene advice and compliance
    • Risk factors for infection or complications
    • Whether care met accepted professional practice
  • Refractive errors:
    • Degree and significance of refractive errors
    • Appropriateness of prescribed spectacles
    • Visual function with/without correction (impact on daily activities; reading, driving, screen use)
    • Myopia (near-sightedness)
    • Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
    • Astigmastism
    • Presbyopia (age-related loss of close-up focusing)
    • Diplopia (double vision)
    • Amblyopia (lazy eye)
    • Colour blindness
    • Diabetic retinopathy

General optometric matters:

  • Adequacy of:
    • Case history taking
    • Visual acuity testing
    • Binocular vision assessment
    • Ocular health examination (anterior/posterior segments)
    • Appropriateness of tests (based on patient age/symptoms/risk factors)
    • Interpretation of clinical findings
    • Record-keeping quality and completeness
    • Compliance with professional guidelines
    • Whether a visual condition could plausibly be related to an alleged event (e.g. trauma, delayed diagnosis)
    • Whether deterioration is consistent with normal progression

Ms Farooq’s appointment availability is 2 weeks and has a report turnaround time of 2-3 weeks.

Clinical Experience

Ms Farooq is a highly skilled and focused Optometrist with extensive experience across clinical practice, staff supervision, and professional development. She has consistently exceeded clinical targets by delivering thorough, high-quality eye examinations and ensuring all patient concerns are addressed with care and clarity. Her proficiency spans all areas of optometric care, including full eye examinations, contact lens fittings and optical dispensing.

Ms Farooq has a strong interest in continuous learning and innovation in eye care. She actively researches new ocular treatments and devices and keeps her clinical team informed of emerging developments to maintain best practice standards. She has provided clinical supervision and training to junior staff, including optical assistants, ensuring they remain compliant with clinical protocols and understand their roles and responsibilities within patient care pathways.

Her experience includes a valuable clinical placement shadowing consultant ophthalmologists at the High Wycombe Eye Department, where she gained first-hand exposure to managing acute and chronic ocular pathologies, deepening her understanding of how these conditions present in both hospital and community settings. Known for her excellent communication and teamworking abilities, Ms Farooq has contributed to group-led presentations and business improvement strategies, demonstrating her broader awareness of service delivery within the optical sector. She combines strong clinical acumen with outstanding customer service, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ms Farooq comment on a case involving MALT Lymphoma, mass behind the eye/ocular oncology?

No, this would be more suited to an Ophthalmologist, so is outside the remit of an Optometrist

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Venues

Remote

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