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Standards of care
D L Werner1, M Soroka, C A Perry
1State University of New York, State College of Optometry, NY 10010.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Optometry needs to establish its own standards of care to maintain professional autonomy. Developing appropriate guidelines is crucial for serving both the optometry profession and the public effectively.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare policy
- Professional standards
- Optometric practice
Background:
- The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting standards of care.
- Optometry has not kept pace with other health disciplines in developing these standards.
- There's a risk of external imposition of standards if optometry doesn't self-regulate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the proactive development of optometric standards of care.
- To emphasize the importance of creating guidelines tailored to the optometry profession.
- To highlight the need for standards that benefit both optometrists and patients.
Main Methods:
- This is a conceptual paper, not based on empirical data.
- It analyzes the current landscape of healthcare standards.
- It argues for the necessity of developing optometric-specific guidelines.
Main Results:
- Optometry is at a critical juncture regarding standards of care.
- Failure to develop internal standards may lead to externally imposed regulations.
- The focus should be on creating effective and relevant professional guidelines.
Conclusions:
- The development of optometric standards of care is imperative.
- Proactive engagement is necessary to shape these standards.
- Appropriate guidelines will enhance professional practice and public health outcomes.