There are increasing numbers of reported cases of patients taking action against practitioners based on the most spurious of premises. One such case recently investigated by the GOC highlights this problem well. For legal reasons, specific details cannot be revealed.
A conscientious and experienced practitioner offered a description of early macular changes to a patient, recommended regular examinations, and gave advice about the value of not smoking and maintaining an anti-oxidant rich diet. The patient reported to their GP worried about their eyes and a subsequent ophthalmologist review confirmed that there was no significant disease. The patient took action against the optometrist on the grounds of misleading them about their eye health. Fortunately, the practitioner made excellent records of the advice given and the case was dismissed. What is perhaps most worrying is that the optometrist may feel less likely to offer health advice in future.
As we move towards times where optometrists wish to have increasing involvement in primary care and are in a position to offer health advice, cases such as this serve to remind us of the importance of maintaining a strong professional stance, maintaining good records, advising patients of evidence-based facts, and ultimately avoiding defensive practice. If not, the profession will stand still or even revert to mere refractioneering.