Ethics & Values
Code of Ethics & Values
This Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct (Code) seeks to support and assist optometrists to deliver valuable health services within an ethical framework. It is the duty of the Optometrist to make the care of patients their primary concern and to practice effectively and safely. It is essential that every Optometrist maintains a high level of conduct and professional competence in order to provide good and adequate care to the members of the public. For the Optometrist to work effectively in partnership with the patient he needs to create a relationship based on trust and good communication.
A vital part of the optometrist–patient relationship is effective communication. Optometrists have ethical and legal obligations to protect the privacy of people requiring and receiving care. Patients have a right to expect that optometrists and their staff will hold information about them in confidence, unless information is required to be released by law or public interest considerations.
Some of these codes of ethics and values includes
- To strive to ensure that all people have access to eye and vision care.
- To advise my patients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
- To keep my patient’s eye, vision and general health as my priority.
- To respect the rights and dignity of patients regarding their health care decision.
- To practise at all times with up to date license.
- To always dress decently and where required put on clinic gown/coat with NOA logo.
- To practise within the scope as approved by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).
- To ensure confidentiality and privacy of patients’ health and other personal information.
- To promote ethical and cordial relationships with all members of the health care community.
- To maintain the dignity, honour and integrity of the optometric profession.
- To maintain and advance my professional knowledge and skills.
- To ensure that I do not unduly expose or take actions that will negatively affect my colleagues and bring the profession to disrepute.
- info@noang.org