College of Optometrists

29 May 2012 Return to news listings

We have updated sections of the Code of Ethics and Guidance for Professional Conduct.

The guidance has been updated to:

•    clarify the concentration of hypochlorite needed for disinfecting
•    make it clear that contact lenses and ophthalmic devices may be reused as long as they are decontaminated properly
•    clarify that patients have the right to get copies of their records, and that organisations may charge for these
•    remove the requirement to routinely record details of the patient’s GMP as these have been removed from the practice visit template developed by Primary Care Commissioning
•    remove the suggestion that practitioners should measure IOP pre and post dilation.  This is now left to the practitioner’s professional judgement

In addition two references on safeguarding have been added.  They are the advice published by the Optical Confederation on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Safeguarding adults at risk of harm – a legal guide for practitioners.

Dr Susan Blakeney, our Clinical Adviser, commented: “It’s really important that optometrists keep up to date with the latest guidance. We encourage all optometrists to check our website for the latest updates and for instructions on how to update their member handbooks.”

All changes to guidance undergo a rigorous verification process prior to publication. Changes are reviewed by the College’s Membership and Standards Committee which includes representatives from the Association of Optometrists, Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians and the General Optical Council.  

Dr Blakeney added: “The guidance is important for a number of reasons. College members and other optometrists use it to check what is expected as good practice. The guidance is also useful to others working in healthcare, and the General Optical Council refer to it in fitness to practise cases.” 

To order printed versions of the changes to the Code of Ethics and Guidance for Professional Conduct, please call 020 7766 4384.

For more information please see ‘Guidance update’.