Safeguarding guidance document released

Image: Rex Features

Guidance for practitioners on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults has been published by the Optical Confederation.

The guidance stated that the profession had an overriding duty to safeguard these groups together with other health and social care practitioners and providers. It outlines common signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and a protocol for practitioners to follow.

Speaking for the Optical Confederation, David Hewlett said: 'The national optical bodies are fully signed up to the principles of safeguarding but these have to be implemented in a way that also works in the context of optical practice.

'We have now achieved this with a simple protocol that will work for every member of staff in an optical practice ensuring that, as a sector, we can play our full part in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children without putting either them or practitioners at further risk.'