Ethical issues in ophthalmic practice and the ways to monitor ethics.

The ethical principles that apply in clinical practice are autonomy, beneficence, non-malfeasance and justice (Tay and Au Eong, 2010). Autonomy or self-determination is the right of the individuals to make their own decisions regarding their medical treatment on the basis of informed consent (e.g: wearing contact lenses or undergoing refractive corneal surgery). The principle of beneficence obliges a doctor to abstain from injuring others, and to help their legitimate interests by preventing or removing harms. The principle of non-malfeasance is the doctor’s duty to do no harm to their patients. Justice means the notions of equity and the fair distribution of benefits and burdens (e.g: services designed to help people of a certain class must be made available to all other people). An ethical doctor with the following qualities would gain the trust and confidence of patients, thereby maintaining effective relationships and avoiding breaches of ethical responsibilities: privacy and confidentiality, veracity (truthfulness and honesty), fidelity (trustworthiness and integrity), compassion (sensitivity to a patient needs, humaneness), and good communication to patients and relatives (Tay and Au Eong, 2010).