The Ethical Ophthalmologist: A Primer

Abstract

This manual has been published by the Ethics Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as a vehicle for the education of residents and fellows and as a guide for the practicing ophthalmologist. The authors' goal is to promote a discussion and understanding of the ethical issues facing ophthalmologists. In this regard, it fulfills its mission. The text is loose-leaf in format to allow for future changes and additions. Twelve chapters focus on one aspect each of professional activity or behavior, such as informed consent, patient rights and surrogacy, delegation of authority, research, new technology, collegiality, the impaired physician, commercial relationships, compensation, advertising, resource allocation, and obligations to patient, society, family, and self. The manual tackles some controversial topics such as issues of residency training, referrals to outside physicians and laboratories, listing of authors in research papers, managed care, methods of advertising, clinical trials, and conflicts of interest. The Ethical