Values, Beliefs and Ethos

As proud members of the Optical Confederation, FODO fully subscribes to and abides by the Optical Confederation Statement of Values. 

Customer focus

  • We provide high-quality services
  • We put the professional and business needs of our members first, so that they in turn can put the needs of their patients, customers and the public first
  • We work actively with others for the benefit of all
  • We encourage and act upon feedback – challenge to the status quo is welcomed

Respect

  • We respect other people and demonstrate this in all our dealings internally and externally
  • We speak positively and supportively about Optical Confederation members, partners and stakeholders
  • We put aside egos to pursue common goals
  • We welcome the views of others irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, experience, styles, approaches and ideas

Integrity, honesty and responsibility

  • We are honest, fair, open and transparent in everything we do
  • We are consistent in our actions, values, methods, measures, principles and expectations
  • We accept responsibility for our own actions and results

Professionalism

  • We encourage all members of the “optical family” to fulfil their potential
  • We are positive and outward-looking in all that we do
  • We value and protect the optical sector’s reputation and heritage but are not hidebound by the past
  • We show pride in who we are and what we do
  • We recognise and learn from our mistakes

Efficiency and continuous improvement

  • We recognise that the funds we spend are levied from those we support on the clinical, retail, manufacturing, supply and distribution front-lines and relentlessly pursue  efficiencies
  • We are committed to our own development as an effective confederation and valued partner with others to achieve our aims

We believe that:

  • eye health has a central role in health, well-being, independence and achievement
  • eye care should be available to all including those who do not currently access it
  • the public deserves the very best in eye care and we act in the public interest to achieve that goal
  • our world class 'clinical and retail mix' model offers the best means of achieving this
  • there are essential links between the eye examination, eye care and the provision of eyewear
  • our members aim to provide these services to the highest standards
  • the public is best served and public health protected where eye care is delivered by highly skilled, qualified and properly regulated professionals and businesses
  • the patient's right to choose their optical practice drives quality, access and choice
  • this applies equally to NHS patients and those who fund their own care
  • practitioners and businesses should be free to enter the market to compete on the basis of quality, access and choice