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  4. 12. Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate

Standards for optical students

12. Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate

  1. Respect a patient’s dignity, showing politeness and consideration.
  2. Promote equality, value diversity and be inclusive in all your dealings. Do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.
  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 consult with your tutor, training provider or supervisor to make alternative arrangements.
  4. Respect peers’ and colleagues’ skills and contributions and do not discriminate.
  5. Refrain from making unnecessary or disparaging comments about your peers, tutors, supervisors, training provider or other colleagues which could make a patient doubt their competence, skills or fitness to practise, either in public or private. If you have concerns about a colleague’s fitness to practise or the performance of your training provider or placement, then please refer to standard 10.

    Standard 10: Protect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others from harm

  6. Consider and respond to the needs of disabled patients and make reasonable adjustments in conjunction with your tutor, supervisor or training provider to accommodate these and improve access to optical care.
  7. Challenge your peers if their behaviour is discriminatory and be prepared to report behaviour that amounts to abuse or denial of a patient’s or colleague’s rights, or could undermine patient safety.
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11. Ensure a safe environment for your patients
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13. Maintain confidentiality and respect your patients’ privacy