Professionalism and ethical practice in optometry

Today there are groups of people who would deprofessionalize optometry by creating conditions which can infringe upon professional decision making and replace it with marketplace decisions based upon cost-effectiveness and products. Traditional definitions of professionalism include words and phrases such as: ethical standards, human concern, patients, public, society, colleagues, compassion, and devotion to service. These are not words traditionally associated with the business marketplace. This paper addresses the conduct which is expected from one who wishes to be judged a professional.