Dr. Emilio M Justo, MD, FAAO, FAACS

Paradise Valley Management Group, Inc.
6400 N. 61st Place
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Mobile: 602-690-4080
Office: 877-409-5955
Introduction

Emilio M. Justo, M.D., FAAO, FAACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 37 years of clinical and surgical experience and approximately 50,000 ophthalmic and oculoplastic procedures performed. He provides objective, evidence-based expert opinions for both plaintiff and defense counsel in matters involving comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery and complications, premium IOLs, glaucoma management and MIGS, oculoplastic and cosmetic eyelid surgery, ocular trauma, corneal disease and injury, retinal disease, and vision loss. Dr. Justo provides medical record review, standard-of-care and causation analysis, independent medical examinations, expert reports and affidavits, depositions, trial testimony, and attorney consultation.


Areas of Expertise
  • Independent Medical Examinations
  • Laser Surgery
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Ophthalmology
  • Personal Injury
  • Plastic Surgery

Expert Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: M.D. from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), 1985
B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), 1984
Medical License in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas
DEA License in Arizona, Florida, Texas
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners
Fellow, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Fellow, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix
Clinical Assistant Professor, Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Member, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Member, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Member, Arizona Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Member, Phoenix Ophthalmological Society
Member, Phoenix Ophthalmic Business Society
Active Faculty, West Valley Hospital, Goodyear, Arizona
Member, Board of Directors Tarkio College, Tarkio, Missouri
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: • TEDx Speaker, TEDxASU (04/12/2026, Mesa, AZ, USA): “The Most Dangerous Skill in the Modern World is Speed”
• TEDx Speaker, TEDxWesternU (02/02/2024, London, Ontario, Canada): “Unleashing the Drive Within: The Obsession Advantage to Unprecedented Success” – #1 Global TEDx YouTube Video in 2024
• TEDx Speaker, TEDxCherryCreekHS (08/12/2023, Parker, CO, USA): “Delayed Gratification: Your Superpower to Success” – #3 Global TEDx YouTube Video in 2023
• Cambridge University, UK (08/08/2024): “Mastering the American Dream: The Cuban Triad For Triumphant Success”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Facial Cadaver Workshop (04/25/2026, Orlando, FL, USA): “Differentiating Levator Repair & Muellerectomy: Indications for Each”: and “Lateral Canthal Tendon Tightening”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Facial Cadaver Workshop (05/05/2024, Orlando, FL, USA): “Laser Blepharoplasty & Muellerectomy”
• Boy Team Charity Sonoran League (01/26/2025, Scottsdale, AZ, USA): “Unlocking Your Inner Champion: The Secrets to Unstoppable Success”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Meeting (02/21/2025, Palm Springs, CA, USA): “The Art of CO2 Laser Blepharoplasty”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Board Review Course (03/07/2025, Live Virtual Training): “Cosmetic Surgery of the Eyes I: Review of Anatomy and Treatment Considerations for the Novice and Non-Oculoplastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery of the Eyes II: Review of Complications and Treatments”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Webinar (04/29/2025): “Starting Your Own Medical and Cosmetic Surgery Practice”
• Global Aesthetics Conference, Miami Beach, Fl (10/30/2025): “Starting Your Own Medical & Cosmetic Surgery Practice”
• Global Aesthetics Conference, Miami Beach, FL (10/31/2025): “The Art of CO2 Laser Blepharoplasty”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Meeting (02/05/26 Tampa, FL, USA): “Precision Muellerectomy for Acquired Ptosis: A Targeted Approach for Elevating Upper Eyelid Function”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Meeting (02/05/26 Tampa, FL, USA): “CO2 Laser Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Precision, Safety, and Enhanced Outcomes in Aesthetic and Functional Oculoplastic Surgery”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Meeting (02/07/26 Tampa, FL, USA): “Starting Your Own Medical & Cosmetic Surgery Practice: A Blueprint for Autonomy, Growth and Long-Term Success”
• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Board Review Course (03/07/2026, Live Virtual Training): “Cosmetic Surgery of the Eyes I: Review of Anatomy and Treatment Considerations for the Novice and Non-Oculoplastic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery of the Eyes II: Review of Complications and Treatments”
• Valedictorian, Andrean High School (1979, Merrillville, IN, USA)
• The University of Michigan Integrated Premedical-Medical Program (1979–1985)
• Graduate with High Distinction, The University of Michigan (1984)
• Past-President, Surprise Grand Bell Rotary Club, Surprise, AZ (1992–1993)
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: 30
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Ocular trauma, corneal ulcers, cataract surgery complications, eyelid surgery complications, glaucoma management and complications, topical steroid complications resulting in cataract and additional surgeries
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 50%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 50%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 5
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 7-8 years ago
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: 3
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 3
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 15 years
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Medical record review and case screening; standard-of-care analysis; medical causation and damages analysis; review and interpretation of ophthalmic diagnostic testing, imaging, operative reports, and medical records; independent medical examinations (IMEs); evaluation of informed consent, surgical decision-making, complications, and postoperative management; written expert reports, declarations, and affidavits; review and rebuttal of opposing expert opinions; deposition and trial testimony; medical literature review; and ongoing attorney consultation and case strategy regarding ophthalmic medical and surgical issues. Services are available to both plaintiff and defense counsel.
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: Initial consultation $500 (up to 30 minutes)
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $950/hour
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $950/hour
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $15,000 per full day
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Initial retainer: $7,500. Independent Medical Examination (IME): $3,500 flat fee, excluding medical record review and report preparation. Depositions are subject to a 3-hour minimum. Travel-only days involving long-distance/out-of-state travel: $7,500/day. Portal-to-portal travel time: $950/hour. Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed at cost, including airfare, hotel accommodations and ground transportation, plus a $150/day meal per diem. Deposition and trial appearance fees are payable in advance. Cancellation/postponement fees may apply as specified in the Expert Witness Retention & Fee Agreement.


References

Dr. Milton Smith
Reliable Clinical Experts
experts@reliableclinicalexperts.com
(917) 912-2534

Miranda Kennedy
Hall & Evans, LLC
kennedym@hallevans.com
(702) 910-3359

Jimmy Borunda
Borunda Law
jimmy@borundalaw.net
(602) 272-0379


Video
What Your Eyes Say About Your Health Dr. Emilio Justo on Channel 3 News Did you know your eyes can reveal early signs of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune conditions, even before symptoms appear? , I shared how a dilated eye exam is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools we have in preventi