Existing codes cover Bribery Act requirements - OC

The Optical Confederation had advised its members that abiding by the codes of conduct of the industry's governing bodies will ensure that they meet the requirements of the Bribery Act, which comes into force on 1 July.

Abiding by the codes of conduct and guidelines of the General Optical Council, the College of Optometrists' and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians' will ensure compliance with the act, it said. However, the confederation added that practitioners should make the care of the patient as their first and continuing concern.

The confederation said that the new law is only intended to prevent acts of bribery and does not prohibit normal business practices when these are appropriate and reasonable. It cited providing corporate hospitality as an example, advising members that proportionality is crucial.