Seeing Ethically: GDPR, the GOC, and You: Why this training matters in your Optometry pre-registration year

Below is a summary of the main learning points from the webinar.

Why Ethics and Law Matter in Optometry

You might think “law” and “ethics” sound dry, but they are essential for protecting patients, colleagues, and your own career. Mishandling patient data can lead to serious consequences:

• Regulatory action by the GOC
• Disciplinary issues with your employer
• Legal action in extreme cases

On the other hand, understanding and applying these principles helps you:

• Build trust with patients and colleagues
• Demonstrate professionalism
• Develop habits that will serve you throughout your career

Ethics and law aren’t just about compliance, they’re about practicing with integrity.

The Legal Landscape in Optometry

Optometry practice is guided by multiple layers of law and governance:

1. The Opticians Act (1989) – Provides a legal framework for registration, scope of practice, and public safety.
2. The General Optical Council (GOC) – Regulates optometrists, sets professional standards, and investigates complaints.
3. GDPR and the Data Protection Act (2018) – Govern how personal and sensitive data is handled.
4. NHS Governance – Local policies for storing and sharing patient records when working in NHS settings.

Understanding these layers ensures you can operate safely, ethically, and within the law.

Applying GDPR in Optical Practice

There are six key principles to remember when handling patient data:

1. Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency
2. Purpose limitation
3. Data minimisation
4. Accuracy and storage limitation
5. Integrity and confidentiality

Think of GDPR like a slit lamp for data: by carefully “examining” information and adjusting how you handle it, you can ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Example: Only collect necessary information, like date of birth and address, to provide effective care. Handle all data with the same care you would a delicate part of the eye.

A Case Study: Learning from Mistakes

Consider a student optometrist who accidentally sent a referral to the wrong GP, including the patient’s name, date of birth, and diagnosis. This is a personal data breach.

GDPR requires that breaches be reported internally, usually within 72 hours and, depending on severity, to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Mistakes happen, especially during training, but how you respond demonstrates professionalism. Double-check patient identifiers, follow reporting procedures, and use these moments as learning opportunities.

The Role of the GOC

The GOC regulates optometrists and sets standards to ensure patient safety and public trust. For students, it ensures training builds ethical awareness and safe practice habits.

Key GOC standards include:

• Standard 1: Always put patients first
• Standard 6: Maintain confidentiality and privacy
• Standard 7: Conduct appropriate record keeping
• Standard 10: Work within your limits

As a student, accountability means recognising your responsibilities, seeking guidance, reflecting on mistakes, and documenting your actions. Developing these habits early sets you up for safe, independent practice in the future.

Everyday Ethical Scenarios in Optical practice

Consider these situations:

1. A friend asks you to check their prescription. Should you access their records?
2. You receive a photo of a red eye via WhatsApp. How should you store or delete it?
3. A referral is left on a desk and goes missing. Who is responsible?

Reflecting on these scenarios reinforces good habits and ethical decision-making. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to build trust and demonstrate professionalism.

Turning Standards into Optical Good Practice

Here’s a practical checklist for everyday clinical life:

• Regularly review your practice’s data protection policy
• Use secure, encrypted systems for referrals and patient information
• Lock screens when not in use and shred paper records appropriately
• Obtain explicit consent when using patient data for teaching or demonstration purposes
• Reflect on ethical dilemmas in your logbook or portfolio

Remember: ethics and law are tools, not barriers. They help you provide safe, effective, and trustworthy care while building confidence and trust with patients and colleagues.

Final Thoughts for Optical GDPR and GOC Law

Take a few moments after reading to reflect:

• How does GDPR affect your record-keeping as a pre-registration optical student?
• Which GOC standard do you find most challenging, and why?

Discuss your thoughts with a peer, supervisor, or even a family member. Developing ethical awareness early in your training will pay dividends throughout your career.

Ethics, law, and professional standards are not just rules, they are essential tools for providing high-quality, trustworthy care