Ethics and Ethical Standards for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians is a CPD course designed for eye care professionals practising in New Zealand who want to strengthen ethical awareness, professional integrity, and patient-centred care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, competence concerns, or fitness to practise processes, but is equally valuable for those seeking to maintain high ethical standards in everyday clinical and retail practice.

The course explores the core principles of ethical practice, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, confidentiality, and cultural safety. Participants will align their practice with expectations set by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, with a strong focus on consent, communication, professional boundaries, and scope of practice. Ethical risks specific to eye care — including commercial pressures, sales of optical products, conflicts of interest, and misleading claims — are explored alongside their professional and regulatory implications.

Through case-based learning, reflective tools, and practical strategies, participants will develop the skills to manage ethical dilemmas, respond constructively to complaints, and demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation. Cultural safety, including Māori health perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, is integrated throughout to ensure care is equitable, respectful, and aligned with New Zealand healthcare expectations.