Prescribing is shaped by clinical knowledge, risk perception, confidence, previous experiences, governance, patient expectations, peer influence and the fear of "getting it wrong."

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This interactive session explores the psychology behind prescribing decisions in optometric practice. Using real-world clinical scenarios, delegates will examine why clinicians may hesitate, over-refer, under-treat, over-treat or seek reassurance even when they have the clinical competence to act. The session will link prescribing behaviour to clinical reasoning, communication, consent, safety-netting, record keeping and working within scope of practice.

Delegates will be encouraged to reflect on their own decision-making patterns and discuss practical strategies for managing risk, uncertainty and professional accountability.

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The session is suitable for optometrists, contact lens opticians, dispensing opticians and specialist/IP optometrists who are involved in clinical care, patient advice, referral decisions or medicines-related conversations. It will be particularly useful for registrants who are developing confidence in higher-level clinical decision-making or supporting colleagues through training, supervision or governance roles.