02 November 2020

College issues Covid-19 guidance for England

We set out on Saturday how primary eye care services in England would be able to meet the nation’s eye health needs throughout the November lockdown. The College of Optometrists latest guidance now confirms this is the case.

The College advises the sector follow its Amber phase guidance in November and goes on to state:

• “When prioritising and scheduling appointments you should continue to consider the clinical needs and presenting symptoms relative to the risk of sight loss and harm to the patient.”
  
• “Routine appointments can continue to be provided, if there is the sufficient capacity to do so, once all urgent and essential appointments have been managed. Sufficient time should be allowed to perform the required infection control procedures and safely complete all clinically indicated tests.”
  
• “You should offer telephone and video review to patients in the first instance to determine COVID-19 status and level of eye care needed.”
  
• “Continue to follow the College’s guidance on infection control, social distancing and PPE.”

Read the College of Optometrists full guidance.