Code Of Ethical Practice

2.1 General Principle

The Ophthalmologist ought to ensure that ophthalmic care is of the highest quality possible.

2.2 Standards

The Ophthalmologist ought to:

• Provide quality pre-operative evaluation..
• Perform only those procedures in which he/she is competent by reason of specific training or experience, or is assisted by one who is..
• Provide quality post-operative care..
• If the Ophthalmologist is not available for any reason, he/she should provide the patient with appropriate cover, of a similar level of professional expertise, with the consent in advance of surgery of both the patient and the person selected to provide that care. A thorough handover is expected..
• Ought not delegate to an Auxiliary those aspects of eye care within the unique competence of the Ophthalmologist. When other aspects of eye care for which the Ophthalmologist is responsible are delegated to an Auxiliary, the Auxiliary must be qualified and adequately supervised..
• Maintain competence in technical ability, medical knowledge and professionalism, keeping abreast of developments in ophthalmic practice.
• Refrain from misrepresentation of credentials, training, experience or ability.
• Maintain registration with the national statutory regulatory body, ensuring that practice is within the scope of accepted national specialist practice
• Find the best quality care for the patient’s condition, including appropriate referrals as required by the condition.
• Maintain accurate records of relevant information about the patient and their state of health.
• Be appropriately dressed to meet the requirements for hygiene and courtesy.
• Respect laws and ethical guidelines on the use of donated human tissue.
• Respect local variations in medical practice and customs, provided these do not contravene the ethical standards.
• Refrain or withdraw from engaging in any form of clinical practice that might be compromised by the patient’s mental, emotional or physical impairment.
• Take corrective action when aware that an impaired Ophthalmologist has not ceased inappropriate behaviour, including notifying the appropriate authorities.

3.1 General Principle

The Ophthalmologist ought to be a responsible member of The Irish College of Ophthalmologists by maintaining standards and avoiding conduct that would bring the ICO and its members into disrepute.

3.2 Standards

The Ophthalmologist ought to:

• Treat colleagues with respect.
• Maintain respectful professional dialogue, conducted in a manner that advances the best interests of the patient, including the sharing of relevant information.
• Provide help to colleagues in cases where professional standards of care are below standard guidelines.
• Respect the interest of the referring Physician when asked for consultation or second opinion.
• Refrain from acting as an expert witness in legal cases, unless one can do so in an objective manner without bias and without influence of non-medical factors (e.g. financial inducements or solicitation).

4.1 General Principle

Ophthalmologists should be conscious of and observe the ethical, legal and scientific criteria for medical research.

4.2 Standards

The Ophthalmologist ought to:

• Observe appropriate review of mechanisms for clinical research.
• Inform research subjects of the nature of the investigation, and obtain special informed consent.
• Refrain from representing another’s work as their own.
• Report research accurately and manage potential conflict of interests.

5.1 General Principle

The Ophthalmologist ought to ensure that communications to the public reflect their social responsibilities, and reflect the highest level of probity.

5.2 Standards

The Ophthalmologist ought to:

• Communicate accurately with the public.
• Refrain from misrepresentation of credentials, training, experience or ability.
• Refrain from providing false, deceptive or misleading information.
• Refrain from misleading through omission of material information.
• Refrain from appealing to an individual’s anxiety in an unfair way for self-benefit.

6.1 General Principle

The Ophthalmologist ought to ensure that fees for ophthalmologic services do not exploit patients or others who pay for the services, that economic and non-economic conflicts of interests do not interfere with the delivery of the highest quality care, and that the advertising of services reflects information and not commercial criteria.

6.2 Standards

The Physician should:

• Recommend only those tests, devices, drugs or procedures that advance the best interest of the patient.
• Not withhold necessary care to a patient’s detriment and for the Physician’s financial advantage.
• Refrain from prescribing unnecessary tests, devices, drugs or procedures.
• Disclose fees without misrepresentation, including future costs to be incurred as part of treatment.
• Refrain from misrepresenting services, or the charges made for services.
• Provide clear and sufficient information about the availability and type of services offered, without competing on a commercial basis.

Adapted from The Ethical Code of the International Council of Ophthalmology, The Code of Ethics of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the draft European Standard Aesthetic Surgery Services prEN16372.