Latest College Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct
The optometrist has a duty to carry out whatever tests are possible to determine the patient’s needs for vision care as to both sight and health, irrespective of where the examination takes place. The exact format and content will be determined by both the practitioner’s professional judgement and the minimum legal requirements.
The optometrist has a duty to examine patients at the most appropriate intervals in accordance with clinical needs.
If the optometrist sees a patient complaining of an acute ocular condition s/he has a duty to undertake whatever procedures are necessary, in his/her clinical judgement, in order to assess the problems and to manage the patient effectively.
When examining a patient with learning disabilities, the optometrist has a duty to carry out whatever tests are necessary, using a range of tests and procedures that are appropriate to the needs of the patient and, where necessary, seeking a briefing from family members, carers and key workers.
The optometrist has a duty, when examining patients as part of their entitlement under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (“The Regulations”), to carry out a full eye examination.