Would you know how to recognise the signs of abuse or neglect, trafficking or radicalisation? These societal ills usually remain hidden, but often reveal themselves in healthcare interactions – even in occasional ones, such as eye examinations.

This is why safeguarding children and adults at risk is “an overriding professional duty for all registered optical practitioners and practices in the same way as for other health and social care practitioners and providers” (Optical Confederation, 2019). Safeguarding means “protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect”, according to NHS England (2022). The risk of harm has become even more prevalent:  26,307 offences were recorded in 2021-22 – an average of 72 a day, and a 25% rise from the previous year (NSPCC, 2022a).