07 January 2021

Scotland Covid-19 update - PCA(O)2021(1)

In the latest PCA the Directorate of Primary Care Dentistry and Optometry Division confirms

• People can leave their home to provide or obtain ophthalmic services
• Community optometry practices “can safely remain open and provide a full range of services. This is in line with the approach being taken with other primary care and screening services”

The PCA also reiterates the importance of

• adhering to rigorous IPC measures
• reviewing current triage and pre-appointment screening processes
• prioritising essential and emergency care over more routine services and that those at “greatest risk of detriment to sight or wellbeing should be seen first”
• practitioners to “continue to exercise their own professional judgement when determining whether it is clinically appropriate and necessary for a patient to be seen face-to-face”

The Scottish Government has also confirmed that practices will now continue to receive a ‘top up’ payment provided they deliver 20% of historical activity in January.

The PCA also confirms that

• all GOS contractors will be contacted by their local NHS Board and all practice staff will be offered a Covid-19 vaccination
• in terms of access schools, community optometrists in Scotland are category 2 key workers, and all other practice staff are category 3 key workers. This however does not automatically guarantee a place

Members in Scotland are advised to read the latest PCA in full.