Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians

13.1 Respect a patient’s dignity, showing politeness and consideration.

13.2 Promote equality, value diversity and be inclusive in all your dealings with patients, the public, colleagues, and others with whom you have a professional relationship. Do not discriminate on the grounds of characteristics set out in relevant equalities legislation.

13.3 Ensure that your own religious, moral, political or personal beliefs and values do not prejudice patients’ care. If these prevent you from providing a service, ensure that you refer patients to other appropriate providers.

13.4 Respect colleagues' skills and contributions, and refrain from making unnecessary, or disparaging comments which could make a patient doubt your colleagues' competence, skills, or fitness to practise. This applies to public, private, and online communications. If you have concerns about a colleague’s fitness to practise, then please refer to standard 11.

13.5 Be aware of how your own behaviour might influence colleagues and students and demonstrate professional behaviour at all times.

13.6 Support colleagues and offer guidance where they have identified problems with their performance or health or they have sought your help, but always put the interests and safety of patients first.

13.7 Consider and respond to the needs of patients with a disability, and patients in vulnerable circumstances, and make reasonable adjustments to your practice to accommodate these and improve access to optical care.

13.8 Challenge colleagues if their behaviour is discriminatory and be prepared to report behaviour that amounts to the abuse or denial of a patient’s or colleague’s rights, or could undermine patient safety.