Upholding the Highest Standards of Professional Behavior
Guiding Orthoptists Worldwide with Ethical Practice and Integrity
Introduction
The International Orthoptic Association (IOA), in collaboration with the Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne (OCE), has developed a comprehensive Code of Ethics as a professional guide for qualified orthoptists and orthoptic students. The IOA affirms its commitment to upholding ethical behavior, professional standards, and integrity in orthoptic practice globally.
The Code serves as:
- A guideline for professional conduct.
- A framework for delivering safe, effective, and ethical care.
- A resource for maintaining the public trust and reputation of the orthoptic profession.
Core Ethical Principles
The Code of Ethics emphasizes the following fundamental principles:
Professional Competence
Orthoptists must:- Possess qualifications recognized by relevant authorities.
- Deliver care within their scope of practice, competence, and training.
- Continuously enhance their knowledge and skills through lifelong learning and evidence-based practice.
Patient-Centered Care
Orthoptists must prioritize the well-being of their patients by:- Offering the best possible treatment without discrimination.
- Obtaining informed consent before assessments or treatments.
- Ensuring confidentiality and the ethical use of patient information.
Integrity and Professionalism
Orthoptists must:- Refrain from actions that could discredit the profession.
- Provide honest, well-founded professional opinions.
- Avoid financial conflicts of interest that compromise clinical judgment.
Collaboration
Orthoptists are expected to:- Work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
Education and Research
Orthoptists must:- Deliver the highest standards in student education and clinical training.
- Supervise and mentor orthoptic students responsibly.
- Contribute to the advancement of orthoptic science through research and knowledge-sharing, ensuring ethical research practices.
Purpose of the Code
The Code of Ethics supports orthoptists in maintaining professional excellence by:
- Providing guidelines for ethical behavior.
- Promoting trust and respect between orthoptists, patients, and colleagues.
- Encouraging professional growth, collaboration, and adherence to national laws.
Commitment to Excellence
The IOA’s Code of Ethics is a living document, ensuring orthoptists uphold principles of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency. Orthoptists must align their practice with the Code while adhering to national regulations within their country of work.
Learn More
For a complete version of the IOA Code of Ethics, including professional duties, standards of behavior, and research guidelines, please access the full document here: Code of Ethics final version
For further questions, please contact:
IOA Standards & Quality Program Coordinators Sue Silveira – australia@internationalorthoptics.org Sonja Vrugt – netherlands@internationalorthoptics.org
Together, we ensure ethical, patient-centered, and professional orthoptic care worldwide.
