Building on three years of delivering tailored insurance solutions for optometry, Clarity Insurance Brokers is now expanding OptiSure to include ophthalmology.

The move reflects Clarity’s commitment to providing comprehensive, specialised insurance for the entire eyecare sector, said senior broker Finn Judson. OptiSure’s comprehensive business insurance provides protection across all critical areas for eyecare practices, he said. “This includes extensive coverage for material assets, safeguarding your valuable equipment and premises against accidental loss or damage, with the added benefit of a margins clause providing coverage up to 120% of your assets and stock sums insured.”

Business interruption cover is also a key component, ensuring financial stability by protecting gross profits and extra costs in the event of disruptions following a covered loss, he said. However, where OptiSure really distinguishes itself is in its liability solutions, he added. “Our medical malpractice coverage operates at a clinic level, providing an 'umbrella' of protection for all employees, contractors and consultants – both past and present. This eliminates the risk of relying on individual cover, a common vulnerability we've observed in the industry, and offers business owners unparalleled peace of mind.”

Asked if liability cover is necessary, given New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme providing coverage for personal injury, Judson offered a firm yes. “OptiSure's liability cover addresses a different but, equally critical, set of risks for eyecare practices. “(Our) medical malpractice insurance protects against legal liability arising from professional errors or omissions that result in patient injury. This coverage extends to legal defence costs, settlements and judgments, which are not covered by ACC.”

Furthermore, employers' liability coverage within OptiSure safeguards businesses against common law claims from employees for injuries not fully covered by ACC, he said. “Also, our Statutory Liability cover provides for your legal defence costs if you are prosecuted for unintentional breaches of an insured Act of Parliament. In today's litigious environment, this comprehensive liability protection is essential for the financial security and reputation of any eyecare practice.”

Entirely New Zealand-owned and operated, Clarity has experienced significant growth within the optometry sector over the last three years, demonstrating the strong value proposition of OptiSure, said Judson. “We've earned the trust of many optometry practices nationwide, solidifying our position as specialists in this field. This focused expertise provides us with unique insights into emerging trends related to coverage needs, claims patterns and general enquiries from optometrists. By analysing these trends, we can proactively refine OptiSure and deliver increasingly tailored and relevant advice to the wider eye health community, ensuring they remain ahead of the curve.”