Informed consent for contact lens patients

Abstract

The legal doctrine of informed consent mandates that the practitioner provide sufficient information so a patient can refuse or consent to an optometric procedure in a knowledgeable, willing and intelligent manner. Informed consent is especially important for contact lens patients. The informed consent procedures presented here are simple and straightforward. They should be a natural part of optometric practice and will better educate patients about the benefits and risks of the proposed course of treatment. Failure to comply with informed consent requirements can be a major source of liability for contact lens practitioners.