Fundamental Ethical Issues in Competence and Impairment

The overall purpose of developing competence as an ophthalmologist is to improve the physician-patient relationship and the medical care that accompanies that relationship. Competent ophthalmologic practice requires both technical and ethical capacities. Technical capacities are comprised of the knowledge and skills required to practice medicine, and especially ophthalmology, according to current standards of care. Ethical capacities are demonstrated by acting as an agent of the patient, developing a caring relationship with patients, and an appreciation of clinical ethical problems.

An impaired ophthalmologist is one who is no longer competent due to a physical, mental or emotional impairment. An impaired ophthalmologist should withdraw from those aspects of practice affected by the impairment. If an impaired ophthalmologist does not cease inappropriate behavior, it is the duty of other ophthalmologists who know of the impairment to take action to attempt to assure correction of the situation. This may involve a wide range of remedial actions.

The materials and information below are presented for user education and for the development of educational activities.

Specific Resources

• Educational Activity
• Presentation - General overview 
• Presentation - Case Study
• Objectives
• Code of Ethics - Competence and Impairment

Related Content

• Advisory Opinion - Informed Consent
• Advisory Opinion - Learning New Techniques Following Residency 
• Advisory Opinion - Live Surgery
• Advisory Opinion - Determining the Need for Medical or Surgical Intervention
• Information Statement - The Ethical & Technical Competence of the Ophthalmologist
• Information Statement - Unique Competence of the Ophthalmologist
• Ask the Ethicist - Complications From Another Surgeon
• Ask the Ethicist - Exaggerating Necessity
• Ask the Ethicist - When Residents Encounter Surgical Complications
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• EyeNet - Impaired Colleague: What to Do? 
• AMA CEJA Opinion 9.031 Reporting Impaired, Incompetence or Unethical Colleges