Professional Scope and Boundaries

The proposed scope is an assistant role within an ophthalmologist-led or appropriately supervised eye-care team. Graduates may perform authorised preliminary tests, support diagnostics, assist clinical and theatre workflows, maintain equipment and participate in outreach within competency and policy.

They must not diagnose eye disease, independently prescribe medicines, perform surgery, manage emergencies without medical oversight or represent themselves as ophthalmologists. Refraction, spectacle-related activity and use of diagnostic equipment must follow the final scope, local law, training and employer protocols.

Patient safety requires accurate identification, consent, infection prevention, equipment checks, prompt documentation and escalation. A graduate should decline tasks that exceed training or local authorisation and seek qualified supervision.