Indemnity Insurance

R6.1.1 It is a legal requirement that all dispensing opticians in practice and others under their supervision are covered by an appropriate level of professional indemnity and products liability insurance, and that they review the level of cover annually. Possession of such insurance is a condition of full membership of ABDO and is available (inter alia) from the Association.

R6.1.2 Students’ PI Insurance: The GOC requires student registration, and student insurance. Student insurance cannot be issued independently by ABDO’s insurers, but must be included on the Supervisor insurance. ABDO’s insurance company (via ABDO) must be notified, and details given. For student CLOs, the situation is the same, student CL insurance cannot be issued, and the student CLO must be insured on the supervisor’s policy.

R6.3.1 Practitioners working in more than one business, as locums for example, are reminded that cover afforded by an employer of one business will not necessarily extend to another. Practitioners covered by an employer’s insurance are advised to acquaint themselves fully with the extent and nature of the policy.

R6.4.1 Members should note that claims can be made many years after an event. They must ensure that cover continues in circumstances where they change insurers, take a career break or retire.