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In a new publication by the Optical Confederation, optical professionals, optometrists and all others in health care roles and practices are being urged to be watchful and aware of potential signs of abuse in patients when they visit, particularly the young and the elderly. The new document by the OC focuses on a practice and persons individual duty to look for signs of neglect and what they should do if they believe something untoward has occurred or is occurring to safeguard their patients health, while also being mindful of the practice's safety.
As one of the front line specialists that the general public sees on a day to day basis, the Optical Confederation has been eager to introduce this document to ensure that all of those working in the industry can help to notice early or even advanced signs of neglect in those most vulnerable. The age groups highlighted, as can be expected, are children and those under the age of 16 years of age, as well as the elderly, who may be physically or mentally frail and are susceptible to those around them that may inflict physical or mental abuse. As senior figures in the local community nationwide, opticians and all health care specialists will be needed to be extra vigilant in future.
As well as the actual noticing or suspicion of abuse, the document also details the next step, what to actual do when concerns are raised and to whom they must be raised with. Opticians are eye care specialists will be expected to liaise with social care services when they make formal requests for information about a patient in a safeguarding assessment. A senior member of each practice will be anticipated to be nominated as the person to go to when employees have concerns about patients and their well being. As such, employees will also need to follow standard protocol to ensure that the people involved, including those reporting incidents will be kept safe at all times.