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  4. 6. Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals under supervision

Standards for optical students

6. Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals under supervision

You will develop your clinical skills over the course of your training, becoming more proficient as you near the end of your studies. As part of your training, you will apply these clinical skills in a real-life setting under the direction of your tutor or supervisor gradually taking more responsibility for patients as your skills develop. In conjunction with your tutor or supervisor:

  1. Conduct an adequate assessment for the purposes of the optical consultation including, where necessary, any relevant medical, family and social history. This may include current symptoms, personal beliefs or cultural factors.
  2. Provide or arrange any further examinations, advice, investigations or treatment if required for your patient. This should be done in a timescale that does not compromise patient safety and care.
  3. Only prescribe optical devices, drugs, or treatment when you have adequate knowledge of the patient’s health.
  4. Check that the care and treatment you provide for each patient is compatible with any other treatments the patient is receiving, including (where possible) over-the-counter medications.
  5. Provide effective patient care and treatments based on current good practice.
  6. Only provide or recommend examinations, treatments, drugs or optical devices if these are clinically justified, and in the best interests of the patient.
  7. When in doubt, consult with your tutor or supervisor appropriately for advice on assessment, examination, treatment and other aspects of patient care, bearing in mind the need for patient confidentiality.
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5. Recognise, and work within, your limits of competence
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7. Maintain adequate patient records