Informed consent in optometric institutions.

BACKGROUND

Modern bioethics has been traced to the interaction of advanced medical technology and the patient's rights movement. A fundamental principle of bioethics is the autonomy which allows patients to exercise personal judgment in their health decisions. The process used to exercise this choice is informed consent and its documentation is the consent form.

METHODS

A survey was undertaken of the schools and colleges of optometry in order to learn more about patient autonomy in teaching institutions.

RESULTS

Some institutions feel uncomfortable with the process of informed consent and use of the consent form. Research areas were most compliant. Contact lens and ocular disease clinics were compliant.

CONCLUSIONS

Review of consent forms had little value in evaluating the ethics process and education taking place in clinics.