OD
Right eye
What OD stands for
OD is a medical abbreviation for right eye - written out in full as “Oculus dexter (right eye)”. TermDecode files it under route abbreviations, and it is one of 2 recorded meanings for the same letters.
OD also stands for
The same letters carry more than one meaning. Which one applies depends entirely on the context it is written in.
Risk
Can be mistaken for AD (right ear) or "overdose"
Safer Alternative
Write "right eye"
Seen in context
OD misread as AD or overdose
Source Note
ISMP also flags OD/o.d. when intended as once daily because it can be mistaken as right eye; write "daily" for frequency.
Sources
The risk description and safer alternative above are reproduced from these published lists.
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