The History of the Optometric Oath

Starting in 1896, Americans working in the field of vision began a quest to become recognized as an official profession. The formation of the Optical Society of the State of New York was the first of many steps helping the group solidify and form a cohesive education structure as well as defined occupational goals. At the time the group included optometrists as well as refracting and dispensing opticians, manufacturers and suppliers of optical goods. In 1900 the organization limited membership to optometrists, setting into motion the precursor for the Optometric Oath.

First Code of Ethics

• The code of ethics for optometrists greatly influenced what eventually became the Optometric Oath. The First Code of Ethics was adopted in 1908. These ethics were designed to give structure to the profession. The ethics laid out clear responsibilities of optometrists in order to protect patients and ensure the growing vision standards. By having a code, the profession was beginning to gain traction as a legitimate trade amongst men.

American Association of Opticians

• A large step forward was made in 1914, when the American Association of Opticians recommended vision exams for those operating motor vehicles. This began a large push towards corrective vision and providing services to more people than just those who absolutely could not see without glasses. In order to further define the members, in 1919 the organization changed its name to the American Optometric Association. The new group launched “Save Your Vision Week” in 1927, which expanded to an entire month in 2001.

1930s Through 1970s

• An education council was formed in 1934 to standardize the teaching methods to obtain the proper degree. The code of ethics was formalized in 1935 and then a new code was adopted in 1944 with a supplement published in 1946. The 1950s saw advancements in the “Rules of Practice,” forming an official standard of care that was updated in 1968. The “Doctor of Optometry” became the proper degree in 1951. In the 1960s, optometry further solidified its place amongst the medical association, joining the American Public Health Association in 1963. In 1976 the “Rules of Practice” were replaced with “Standards of Conduct.” This gave weight to the wording, as it was similar to that of doctors. As new areas of optometry continued to open and laymen were no longer allowed to perform eye exams, everything was becoming official.

Official Oath Adoption

• In 1986 the Optometric Oath was standardized and made a part of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Taking the oath encouraged ethical behavior, as new optometrists were promising to care for patients in a through and ethical way. While the first oath was written in the twenties by Frederick A. Woll, it was never officially adopted by any of the organizations prior to 1986. The adopted oath puts the patient above personal gain, holds privileged information private, encourages continuing education and promotes active communication between practitioners.