Code of Ethics for Optometrists

1. General provisions

In the course of his professional duties, an optometrist:

• 1.1 Comply with the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, laws, accompanying legal acts, health care
• the legislation governing the provision of services, the internal rules of health care institutions
• governing documents, professional standards approved by the Ministry of Health
• (medical standards) and the laws governing the practice of optometry.
• 1.2. practise as an optometrist with a valid licence to practise as an optometrist
• licence.
• 1.3. continuously acquire and improve their knowledge and professional skills.
• 1.4.
• 1.5 An optometrist confronted with situations beyond his/her professional competence,
• refers the patient to the services they need.
• 1.6 Provide only high quality personal healthcare services.
• 1.7 In the provision of optometric care, be independent or
• collaborate with other personal health care professionals, guided by
• up-to-date knowledge of medical science.
• 1.8 In the course of his/her professional activities, he/she shall dissociate himself/herself from political activities and shall be neutral
• religious or other cultural beliefs and traditions.
• 1.9. maintain documentation in a fair and careful manner in accordance with the procedures laid down by law.

2. Optometrist's relationship with colleagues

• 2.1 Relationships between optometrists and with other healthcare professionals
• professionals based on mutual respect, trust, goodwill and tact
• and consensus.
• 2.2 Optometrists share medical science knowledge and professional experience with colleagues
• experiences.
• 2.3 When in doubt, the optometrist seeks help from a more experienced colleague, coordinates his/her
• diagnostic techniques with your ophthalmologist or other specialist.
• 2.4 In the hearing of the patient, colleagues or the public, the optometrist must not express
• an unfavourable opinion of another optometrist's performance.
• 2.5 Adhere to the standard of honest optometric conduct and warn a colleague if his/her conduct or
• professional activities contrary to the Code of Professional Conduct. Any dispute between an optometrist
• must try to resolve it by mutual agreement.
• 2.6 An optometrist shall not work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor shall he/she be
• health condition prevents you from working fully.

3. Optometrist's relationship with patients

• 3.1 In the performance of his/her professional duties, an optometrist must comply with the legislation,
• the rights of patients, and respect for the patient and their disability.
• 3.2. not to discriminate against patients on the basis of sex, age, race, nationality, language, origin, social
• position, faith, beliefs or opinions.
• 3.3 The optometrist-patient relationship is based on the priority of the patient's health, combined with
• with patient autonomy.
• 3.4 The optometrist shall respect the patient's right to choose the healthcare facility and
• an optometrist there.
• 3.5 Maintains a good relationship with the patient based on mutual trust and respect.
• 3.6 Listens attentively to patient complaints.
• 3.7 Informs the patient about diagnostic procedures, alternative procedures
• the options, risks and expected results.
• 3.8 The optometrist shall maintain the confidentiality of information in accordance with the law
• principo.
• 3.9 The optometrist's personal beliefs must not compromise patient care.
• 3.10 The optometrist must correctly inform the patient of the cost of his/her service. In advance
• Undiscussed, unjustified increase in optometrist fees without patient
• consent is a breach of professional ethics.
• 3.11. When providing services free of charge, an optometrist shall comply with the provisions of the legislation
• requirements and, irrespective of the form of ownership of the institution, may not claim from
• additional personal remuneration from the patient or his/her representatives, in any form or manner of payment.
• The same requirements apply to free services that are fully funded
• charitable foundations or other donors.

4. Optometrist's rights

• 4.1 In the performance of his/her professional duties, an optometrist is entitled to remuneration.
• 4.2 The optometrist shall be entitled to provide services free of charge.
• 4.3. respect the law, but have the right to demand changes in its provisions if they conflict
• patient or professional interests.
• 4.4 An optometrist shall have the right to refuse to provide personal health care services if
• is contrary to the principles of professional ethics or is likely to present a real risk
• the life of the patient or professional, except in the case of a medical emergency.

5. Final provisions

• 5.1 Optometrists shall be guided in their day-to-day professional activities by the following ethics
• Code.
• 5.2 Where the conduct of an optometrist in his professional capacity is not regulated
• the law or this Code, he must comply with the standards established by the practice of optometry
• traditions whose content is consistent with common ethical and moral principles.
• Adopted at the General Meeting of the Lithuanian Optometric Association
• 2019.03.03 Vilnius