Chaperones in optical practice

A chaperone is someone present during a consultation, examination or task to protect the patient's comfort, dignity and safety and to help maintain professional boundaries. Chaperoning applies beyond intimate examinations and can be appropriate whenever a patient or staff member would feel safer with an additional trained person present.

In optical practice, chaperone support may be relevant during close face-to-face procedures, dim-room examinations, sensitive conversations, care of children or vulnerable adults, domiciliary visits, when there have been previous concerns, at a patient's request, or when staff feel uncomfortable.

What a chaperone does

• Supports the patient: helps the person feel safer, heard and respected.
• Understands the role: knows why they are present and what to do if concerns arise.
• Maintains dignity: preserves privacy, assists with appropriate positioning and encourages respectful communication.
• Observes professionally: watches and listens actively rather than acting as a passive extra person in the room.
• Does not take over: does not override the patient's choices or act beyond their training.
• Records appropriately: follows local procedure for noting whether a chaperone was offered, accepted, declined or present.

Consent still matters

A chaperone should usually be present with the patient's knowledge and consent. A patient may decline a chaperone, ask for a specific person, request a different chaperone or want a companion present. If the request cannot be met immediately, staff should explain the alternatives and escalate rather than dismiss the concern.

Chaperone policy and manager responsibilities

A chaperone request is a dignity and safety signal. Treat it respectfully, explain options and record the outcome.