Standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians

10. Work collaboratively with colleagues in the interests of patients

Work collaboratively with colleagues within the optical professions and other healthcare practitioners in the best interests of your patients, ensuring that your communication is clear and effective.
Refer a patient only where this is clinically justified, done in the interests of the patient and does not compromise patient care or safety. When making or accepting a referral it must be clear to both parties involved who has responsibility for the patient’s care.
Ensure that those individuals or organisations to which you refer have the necessary qualifications and registration so that patient care is not compromised.
Ensure that patient information is shared appropriately with others, and clinical records are accessible to all involved in the patient’s care.
Where disagreements occur between colleagues, aim to resolve these for the benefit of the patient.