I. Basic Responsibilities of An Optometrist

Section A. The Welfare of Humanity

A health profession has as its prime objective the service it can render to humanity; monetary considerations should be a subordinate factor. In choosing the profession of optometry an individual assumes an obligation for personal conduct in accordance with professional ideals.

Section B. Continuing Competence

An optometrist should strive to keep current with every modern development in the profession, to enhance both knowledge and proficiency by the adoption of modern methods and scientific concepts of proven worth and to contribute personally to the general knowledge and advancement of the profession. All these things should be done with that freedom of action and thought that provides first for the welfare of the public.

II. Relationships With The Patient

Section A. Informed Consent

An optometrist should provide the patient with sufficient information in order to obtain an informed consent from the patient.

Section B. Emergency Optometric Care

A request for optometric care in an emergency should receive immediate response. Once having undertaken an emergency case, an optometrist shall neither abandon nor neglect the patient.

Section C. Charges For Materials

Charges for materials should be clearly separated from professional fees.

III. Responsibilities To The Public

Section A. Informing The Public

An optometrist should honor the applicable provision of valid State and Federal laws and rules regulating the advertising of ophthalmic materials and the disseminating of information regarding professional services.

IV. Relationships With Other Optometrists

Section A. Intraprofessional Referral And Consultations

Intraprofessional referral and consultations are encouraged when the best interest of the patient indicates additional opinion. Protocol on the relationship and responsibilities between the referring and attending optometrist that customarily is followed by health professionals shall prevail.

Section B. Official Position

An optometrist holding an official position in any optometric organization shall avoid any semblance of using this position for self-aggrandizement.

V. Relationships With Other Professionals

Section A. Interprofessional Referral And Consultations

Interprofessional referral and consultations are encouraged when the best interest of the patient indicates additional opinion. Protocol of the relationship and responsibilities between the referring and attending professional that customarily is followed by health professionals shall prevail.

Section B. Public Health

Professional responsibility demands that the optometrist actively participate in public health activities with other health professionals to the end that every step be taken to safeguard the health and welfare of the public.