Optometrists have ethical obligations to provide socially important healthcare services with theoretical knowledge and extensive training. Optometrists must maintain patient confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and treat all patients with dignity without discrimination. Optometrists should collaborate with other professionals through referrals and consultations when in the best interest of patients, participate in continuing education, and adhere to research ethics involving human subjects. The optometric oath outlines the commitment to prioritize patient health, provide competent and compassionate care, keep patient information private, and serve communities.

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Lecture 1
Ethical obligations in Clinical Optometry
‫االلتزامات‬
‫األخالقية‬
‫في‬
‫البصريات‬
‫السريرية‬

2. What is a Professional optometrist?
A. Professionals Provide a Socially Important and public health Service.
B. Professionals Have a theoretical Knowledge Base.
C. Professionals Have Extensive Formal and Practical Training.
D. Professionals are Self-Regulating.
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3. Ethical obligations of optometrists
The ethical obligations of optometry toward patients are similar to those of
other health care professions, sometimes referred to as “Bioethics, or Medical
Ethics.
Medical ethics refers to a set of moral principles and values that
guide the conduct of healthcare professionals in their interactions
with patients, colleagues, and society as a whole.
.
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4. Standards of Conduct
I. Basic Responsibilities of An Optometrist
A. The Welfare of Humanity ‫االنسان‬ ‫رفاهية‬ ‫على‬ ‫الحفاظ‬
B. Continuing Competences ‫المستمرة‬ ‫والكفاءة‬ ‫التعليم‬
Optometrists have an ethical obligation to maintain and enhance their professional
knowledge and skills. They should stay updated with the latest developments in optometry
through continuous education and professional development activities.
‫السلوك‬ ‫قواعد‬

5. Standards of Conduct
II. Relationship With The Patient
A. Informed Consent ‫المسبقة‬ ‫الموافقة‬
An optometrist should provide to the patient sufficient information in order to obtain an informed
consent from the patient.
B. Confidentiality: ‫المرضى‬ ‫سرية‬ ‫على‬ ‫الحفاظ‬
Optometrists have a duty to protect the confidentiality of patient information. They should maintain the
privacy and security of patient records.

6. Standards of Conduct
III. Responsibilities To The Public
A. Non-Discrimination: ‫ع‬
‫التمييز‬ ‫دم‬
Optometrists must provide care to all patients without discrimination based on factors such as race,
ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or disability. They should treat all patients with
dignity, respect, and fairness.

7. Standards of Conduct
IV. Relationships With Other Optometrist
A. Intraprofessional Referral and Consultations
Intraprofessional referral and consultations are encouraged when the best interest of the patient indicates
additional opinion.

8. Standards of Conduct
V. Relationships With Other Professionals
A. Interprofessional Referral And Consultations
Interprofessional referral and consultations are encouraged when the best interest of the patient indicates
additional opinion.
B. Research and Innovation:
If involved in research, optometrists should adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving human
subjects. They should respect the rights and well-being of research participants and ensure informed
consent, confidentiality, and rigorous scientific methods.

9. The optometric oath
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has historically provided statements
of ethical aspirations and standards of expected professional behavior.
With full deliberation, I freely and solemnly pledge that:
1. I AFFIRM that the health of my patient will be my first consideration.
2. I WILL practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and
conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence.
3. I WILL uphold and honorably promote by example and action the highest
standards, ethics, and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the
degree, doctor of optometry, which has been granted me.
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10. 5. I WILL provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern,
with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.
6. I WILL place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain and
strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
7. I WILL hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in
confidence by my patients.
8. I WILL advise my patients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore,
maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
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The optometric oath

11. 9. I WILL strive continuously to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my
patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care
of human vision.
10. I WILL share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists
and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of
human knowledge and welfare.
11. I WILL do my utmost to serve my community, my country, and humankind as
a citizen as well as an optometrist.
12. I HEREBY commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my
solemn oath and obligation.
The optometric oath