Clear coverage for clear sight.
Professional liability, office property and diagnostic equipment, product liability for eyewear, cyber for patient records, and workers' comp for optometry practices and optical shops.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Exams, equipment and eyewear
An optometry practice is part clinic and part store. The exam side carries professional risk, like a missed sign of glaucoma or a contact lens fitting that leads to an infection. The retail side sells frames, lenses and sunglasses, and holds expensive diagnostic equipment and a lot of inventory.
California's State Board of Optometry licenses optometrists and registers dispensing opticians. I cover the doctor, the optical shop and the office under one plan where a market allows, then add cyber for patient records and workers' comp for staff.
- Professional liabilityExam, diagnosis and fitting claims.
- EquipmentRetinal cameras, OCT units and lens edgers.
- InventoryFrames, lenses and sunglasses on display.
- CyberPatient records and scheduling systems.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Practice: address, doctors and licensed staff.
- Services: exams, contact lens fittings and dispensing.
- Equipment: diagnostic gear and its values.
- Inventory: frames and lenses on hand.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Optometrist insurance, answered
Does a business policy cover malpractice?
No. A business owner's policy covers the office and general liability. Professional liability for exams and fittings is a separate policy or endorsement.
Are opticians on staff covered?
They can be listed on the practice's professional liability. I confirm each person's role so nothing is missed.
Is my diagnostic equipment covered if it breaks down?
Property covers fire and theft. Electrical or mechanical breakdown needs equipment breakdown coverage, which I usually add.
What if patient records are hacked?
Cyber liability often pays for notification, recovery and claims after a breach, subject to the policy. Health records make this worth having.
Do you offer optometrist insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Insure your practice
Tell me about your doctors, your optical and your equipment. I'll compare markets that write eye care and walk you through the coverage.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.