Informed Consent in Optometry
Consent in optometry goes well beyond a routine eye test. This guide explains what valid informed consent requires across examination, diagnostic drugs, therapeutic prescribing and referral, how to communicate it well, and why safety-netting a referral is part of good consent practice.
Key takeaways
- Valid consent requires capacity, adequate information and a voluntary decision.
- Explain the procedure, its material risks and benefits, alternatives, and the effects of any diagnostic drugs.
- Consent is ongoing — agreement to an examination is not agreement to dilation, imaging or a therapeutic trial.
- Adapt your communication for children, limited English, low health literacy or impaired capacity.
- Explaining why a referral matters is both good consent and effective safety-netting.
Consent is a process, not a formality
Optometric care ranges from routine refraction to diagnostic procedures, therapeutic prescribing and referral — and each carries its own consent obligations. For consent to be valid the patient must have capacity, be given adequate information, and decide voluntarily. The Optometry Board’s shared Code of conduct frames this as a partnership in which the patient understands what is proposed and why.
What to explain
- The nature of the examination or procedure and its purpose.
- The material risks and expected benefits, and reasonable alternatives.
- Any use of diagnostic drugs (for example mydriatics) and their practical effects, such as temporary blurring and light sensitivity affecting driving.
- The plan where a finding requires referral — and why timely follow-up matters.
- Costs, where relevant, so financial consent is informed.
Communication and understanding
Information must be given in plain language suited to the individual, with time to ask questions. Where a patient has limited English, low health literacy, or is a child or a person with impaired capacity, take extra steps — an interpreter, a support person, or a substitute decision-maker where appropriate.
Referral, safety-netting and consent
A recurring theme in optometry concerns is the patient who did not understand the significance of a finding or the need to act on a referral. Explaining why follow-up matters, and recording that you did, is both good consent practice and effective safety-netting. If a consent or communication issue becomes a complaint, our guide to Optometry Board complaints explains what follows, and good records are your best protection.
Related CPD courses
Strengthen the consent and communication judgement this article describes with CPD for Australian practitioners:
CPD coursePrivacy, Consent and Chaperone in Healthcare Practice CPD courseProfessionalism and Professional Standards for Optometrists CPD courseEffective Communication for Healthcare Professionals CPD courseEthics and Ethical Standards for OptometristsContinue the Optometry Board series
Complaints Explained Clinical Record Keeping for OptometristsFrequently asked questions
What must I explain to obtain consent in optometry?
The nature and purpose of the examination or procedure, its material risks and benefits, reasonable alternatives, the effects of any diagnostic drugs, and any referral plan and its importance.
Is a routine eye test covered by implied consent?
Attending covers a basic examination, but consent is ongoing — dilation, imaging or therapeutic prescribing each require their own explanation and agreement.
What if a patient has limited capacity or English?
Take extra steps such as an interpreter, a support person, or a substitute decision-maker where appropriate, and confirm the patient understands.
How does consent relate to referral?
Explaining why timely follow-up on a referral matters — and recording that you did — is both good consent practice and effective safety-netting.
Does consent need to be written?
Most optometric care is covered by verbal consent after a proper discussion; the key is that the discussion happens and is documented.
This article is general information for education and CPD purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create a practitioner–adviser relationship. If you have received a notification, seek advice from your professional indemnity insurer, your union or professional association, or an independent lawyer experienced in health practitioner regulation. Healthcare Ethics Courses is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Ahpra or any National Board; regulator names are used for reference only.