Guidance for navigating ethical challenges in optics

New resources to support practitioners in handling ethical issues in practice

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) launches a new education resource to provide members with practical advice on common ethical issues that could be encountered in optometric practice.

The guidance includes a suite of webpages detailing scenarios, frequently asked questions, and best practice, along with a CPD accredited video featuring advice from the AOP’s expert, in-house clinical and regulatory team.

Kevin Wallace, Clinical Adviser at the AOP, said: “Practitioners frequently find themselves faced with ethical questions which arise in daily practice. While many of these questions have a clear course of action, without raising ethical issues, occasionally, members could face situations where the ethical path is harder to decipher, particularly where the area is more complex or there is conflicting advice.

“We have created these resources to provide clarity and support our members in safely navigating the common ethical issues they could be met with while operating in a commercial environment. The resources are designed to equip members to act in the most professional, ethical manner, with the patient’s best interests considered, whatever the circumstances and on a broad spectrum of ethical challenges.”

The resources cover a range of topics which optometrists and dispensing opticians need to consider as part of daily practice, including: