Fundamental Ethical Issues in Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest exists when there is a discrepancy between the ophthalmologist’s professional responsibilities to serve the patient’s best interests and his or her own personal interests or incentives. An ophthalmologist’s clinical judgment and practice must not be affected by economic interest in, commitment to, or benefit from professionally related commercial enterprises.

To maintain the trust implicit in the physician-patient relationship and in our relationship with the public, ophthalmologists must avoid any appearance of impropriety; disclose potential conflicts to patients, the public, and colleagues; and take the high road to avoid unintended influence by industry. Ophthalmologists should uphold the ideals of the profession by adhering to the Academy guidelines and encouraging colleagues to act accordingly.

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

Specific Resources

• Educational Activities
• Presentation - General Overview 
• Presentation - Case Study 
• Objectives 
• Code of Ethics - Conflict of Interests
• Ethics Podcast - Patient Requests to "Up-Code" Symptoms for Insurance Purposes

Related Content

• Advisory Opinion - Disclosures of Professionally Related Commercial Relationships and Interests
• Advisory Opinion - Employment and Referral Relationships between Ophthalmologists and Other Health Care Providers [86-1]
• Advisory Opinion - Ethical Obligations in a Managed Care Environment
• Advisory Opinion - Learning New Techniques Following Residency 
• Advisory Opinion - Determining the Need for Medical or Surgical Intervention 
• Policy Statement - Gifts to Physicians from Industry
• Policy Statement - Ophthalmic Care for Patients in Residential Care Centers
• Ask the Ethicist - Conflicts of Interest and Stock Ownership 
• Ask the Ethicist - Drafting Guidelines for Clinical Practice
• Ask the Ethicist - Ophthalmologists with Industry Ties
• Ask the Ethicist - The Revised PhRMA Code
• Member Alert - Legal and Ethica Issues Raised by Consulting with the Investment Industry
• EyeNet Article - Disclosing Conflict of Interest
• EyeNet Article - Ethics, Physicians, and Industry