Professional indemnity insurance is a form of liability insurance required for optometrists. It protects you from the financial and legal costs that may arise from a claim of professional negligence, error, or omission. This ensures that if a patient is harmed due to a mistake, they can receive any compensation they are entitled to.
As a locum optometrist, you are responsible for obtaining your own professional indemnity insurance. It is an essential condition for your registration and for your ability to practice. While some employers may have a policy that covers their regular staff, it is not guaranteed to cover locums.
We require a clear photo or scan of your insurance certificate that clearly shows the insurer's name, your policy number, and the date.
Where to Get Insurance
There are a few places where you can get professional indemnity insurance. Most professional bodies offer this as part of their membership benefits.
Accepted providers include:
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO): This organisation provides professional indemnity insurance to its members, although it's important to note that their primary focus is on dispensing opticians.
Association of Optometrists (AOP): The AOP provides professional indemnity insurance as part of its membership, which is a common choice for many optometrists in the UK.
Federation of (Ophthalmic and Dispensing) Opticians (FODO): FODO also offers medical malpractice and professional indemnity insurance for its members.
You can also obtain a policy from a specialist insurance provider.