O-7, r. 5.1 - Code of ethics of optometrists

Section 22 Disposition versions

2018-05-17

22. Unless an optometrist has sound and reasonable grounds for doing so, the optometrist may not refuse to provide an optometric service to a patient, cease such services or reduce their accessibility.

The following are sound and reasonable grounds:

(1)  the distrust or the loss of confidence of the patient;

(2)  being in a conflict of interest or any situation where professional independence may be called into question;

(3)  inducement by the patient to perform acts that an optometrist knows to be illegal, unjust or fraudulent;

(4)  abusive behaviour by the patient, which may manifest itself as harassment, threats, aggressive acts or acts of a sexual nature.

A patient’s request that a prescription be given to the patient or sent to a person of the patient’s choice or an indication that the patient intends to obtain ophthalmic products from a third person do not constitute the sound and reasonable grounds referred to in the first paragraph.

Before ceasing to provide optometric services to a patient, an optometrist must inform the patient and ensure that the patient will be able to continue receiving the services required by the patient’s condition from another optometrist, another health professional or an institution.

O.C. 515-2018, s. 22.

Not in force

In force: 2018-05-17

22. Unless an optometrist has sound and reasonable grounds for doing so, the optometrist may not refuse to provide an optometric service to a patient, cease such services or reduce their accessibility.

The following are sound and reasonable grounds:

(1)  the distrust or the loss of confidence of the patient;

(2)  being in a conflict of interest or any situation where professional independence may be called into question;

(3)  inducement by the patient to perform acts that an optometrist knows to be illegal, unjust or fraudulent;

(4)  abusive behaviour by the patient, which may manifest itself as harassment, threats, aggressive acts or acts of a sexual nature.

A patient’s request that a prescription be given to the patient or sent to a person of the patient’s choice or an indication that the patient intends to obtain ophthalmic products from a third person do not constitute the sound and reasonable grounds referred to in the first paragraph.

Before ceasing to provide optometric services to a patient, an optometrist must inform the patient and ensure that the patient will be able to continue receiving the services required by the patient’s condition from another optometrist, another health professional or an institution.

O.C. 515-2018, s. 22.