From time to time, we receive calls from optometrists, or from members of the public, with queries relating to the sale or the purchase of glasses.
Many patients choose to have prescriptions filled, or purchase frames, at businesses other than the examining and prescribing optometrist. Patients have the right to choice in the purchase of eye wear.
However, the purchase of frames, glasses or lenses from third parties can create the potential for
disputes if the patient is not happy with the final product.The guidelines have been developed to assist members to:
• limit the likelihood of disputes occurring;
• understand their own legal rights and those of the patients;
• facilitate the resolution of disputes without recourse to further action, including
formal complaints or legal action.
Follow the link on the left to look at the guidelines. If you have any queries, or would like further information on these guidelines, please feel free to contact Kirsty Machon, Policy Manager on (03) 9652 9100 or by email: kirsty@vicoptom.asn.au.
Statement on Conditions of Purchase
We have also developed statement on Conditions of Purchase. This is intended to be used by members who wish to do so, in conjunction with the Guidelines.
Please note that this is a suggested statement only. It was developed because a number of members felt it might be useful to be able to have written advice that can be provided to patients before the consultation process, as to the guarantees that apply if glasses or lenses are purchased elsewhere.
You don't have to use this statement, but we have developed it to help you communicate to patients what they can expect when purchasing glasses or lenses at your practice. We’ve worked to ensure the wording is consistent with the law, but it is important to note that the document does not indemnify you from action by any patient, and you need to continue to be aware of your common law and other legal obligations.
How to use the Conditions of Purchase Statement
-
Display a copy in writing in your practice, in a place where it will be readily seen, so that patients are aware from the outset of the terms and conditions of service
-
Have written copies available
-
Hand it to patients when they order any new product, or when they request a copy of their prescription
-
Be prepared to explain or discuss it with the patient if they have questions
-
You may also wish to print the wording on the back of patients’ receipts
From time to time, we receive calls from optometrists, or from members of the public, with queries relating to the sale or the purchase of glasses.
Many patients choose to have prescriptions filled, or purchase frames, at businesses other than the examining and prescribing optometrist. Patients have the right to choice in the purchase of eye wear.
However, the purchase of frames, glasses or lenses from third parties can create the potential for
disputes if the patient is not happy with the final product.The guidelines have been developed to assist members to:
• limit the likelihood of disputes occurring;
• understand their own legal rights and those of the patients;
• facilitate the resolution of disputes without recourse to further action, including
formal complaints or legal action.
Follow the link on the left to look at the guidelines. If you have any queries, or would like further information on these guidelines, please feel free to contact Kirsty Machon, Policy Manager on (03) 9652 9100 or by email: kirsty@vicoptom.asn.au.
Statement on Conditions of Purchase
We have also developed statement on Conditions of Purchase. This is intended to be used by members who wish to do so, in conjunction with the Guidelines.
Please note that this is a suggested statement only. It was developed because a number of members felt it might be useful to be able to have written advice that can be provided to patients before the consultation process, as to the guarantees that apply if glasses or lenses are purchased elsewhere.
You don't have to use this statement, but we have developed it to help you communicate to patients what they can expect when purchasing glasses or lenses at your practice. We’ve worked to ensure the wording is consistent with the law, but it is important to note that the document does not indemnify you from action by any patient, and you need to continue to be aware of your common law and other legal obligations.
How to use the Conditions of Purchase Statement
-
Display a copy in writing in your practice, in a place where it will be readily seen, so that patients are aware from the outset of the terms and conditions of service
-
Have written copies available
-
Hand it to patients when they order any new product, or when they request a copy of their prescription
-
Be prepared to explain or discuss it with the patient if they have questions
-
You may also wish to print the wording on the back of patients’ receipts