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 ::  Code of Ethics & Practice Standards

In 1999, the council of the Victorian College of Optometry adopthed the current Code of Etics and Practice Standards.

The Code of Ethics sets out the broad obligations of optometrists in the discharge of their duty to their patients and the community.

It states general principles which have a timeless quality. Simply put, the principles enunciated in the Code of Ethics requires of practitioners that they act in an honest and trustworthy way at all times and that they bring their best endeavours to the care of their patients.

It also embodies the principle of collegiality. This is also a very important principle because cooperation among optometrists enhances the quality of patient care through sharing of knowledge and the fruits of research and experience, and it facilitates cooperation between optometrists in order to bring the best possible care to patients.

The Code of Practice Standards addresses the practical issues of everyday practice ranging from the issues of professional independence and accountability to the standards of premises, equipment and the content of a consultation. Like the Code of Ethics, the Code of Practice Standards is directed solely to the public interest.

Professional standards will change because they are a consensus of the profession at a given time as to what is proper in the care of patients. Changing knowledge, new technology, changes in the scope of the practice of the profession and changes in the nature and expectations of society will change professional standards, although almost invariably in the direction of a higher standard.

The Code of Practice Standards expresses what might be reasonably expected of any optometrist at the time the standards were adopted. They are not an expression of high ideals, setting standards to be aspired to in the future but are a practical expression of contemporary expectations

The VCO Code of Ethics and Practice Standards is available in .pdf format.

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