Code of Ethics

It shall be the ideal, the resolve, and the duty of the members of the California Optometric Association to:

• KEEP the visual welfare of the patient uppermost at all times;
• PROMOTE in every possible way, in collaboration with this Association, better care of the visual needs of humanity;
• ENHANCE continuously their educational and technical proficiency to the end that their patients shall receive the benefits of all acknowledged improvements in visual care;
• SEE THAT no person shall lack for visual care, regardless of financial status;
• ADVISE the patient whenever consultation with an optometric colleague or reference for other professional care seems advisable;
• HOLD in professional confidence all information concerning a patient and to use such data only for the benefit of the patient;
• CONDUCT themselves as exemplary citizens;
• MAINTAIN their offices and their practices in keeping with professional standards;
• PROMOTE and maintain cordial and unselfish relationships with members of their own profession and of other professions for the exchange of information to the advantage of humanity.