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

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.

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.