Safeguarding

Safeguarding in optometry is crucial to meeting the standards set by the General Optical Council (GOC), which can be found here. By staying informed of best practices, we can ensure that environments remain safe and that practitioners are prepared to recognise signs and respond accordingly to protect patients. Optometrists can make a significant impact on protecting adults at risk and alongside other front-line healthcare practitioners, they have the responsibility to report safeguarding concerns as soon as possible.

NHS England Safeguarding app

The NHS Safeguarding app has been developed to act as a comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals, carers and citizens. It provides 24-hour, mobile access on up-to-date legislation and guidance. The app also provides information on how to report a safeguarding concern and even has a directory of safeguarding contacts for every local authority in England, searchable by region.

Safeguarding contacts

For Buckinghamshire ICB:

 There is a joint safeguarding unit that combines the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children Partnership. Further information here 

You can also report a concern about a child directly via this link: https://www.buckssafeguarding.org.uk/childrenpartnership/reporting-a-concern/report-a-concern-professional/

For advice on reporting concerns about an adult in Bucks, go to: https://www.buckssafeguarding.org.uk/adultsboard/report-a-concern/report-a-concern-professionals/

For Milton Keynes ICB:

You can report a concern about an adult or child directly by following this link: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/safeguarding-people-at-risk

Visit the local safeguarding websites for lots more information:

https://www.buckssafeguarding.org,uk

https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/safeguarding-people-at-risk

Visit the FODO website for Optical Confederation guidance on safeguarding.

All optometrists can access free Safeguarding training through DOCET, which can be accessed via the following:

Safeguarding Adults for Optometrists Level 2 (Updated 2022)

Safeguarding Children for Optometrists (Updated 2022)