13 August 2021

FODO member update – 13 August

This week:

• Covid update
• Scotland update
• Other sector news

Covid update

Self-isolation following Covid positive contact
 
The College is updating its information on forthcoming Government advice on self-isolation exemption rules and what they mean for optical practices.
 
England: From 16 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) will be exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
 
Scotland: From 9 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) and those under 18 years old are exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case and provided they have had a negative PCR test result.
 
Wales: From 7 August, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) and those under 18 years old are exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
 
Northern Ireland: From 16 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) will be exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case. They are still advised to take an additional PCR Covid test on day 2 and day 8 of the process. If the result is positive, they will need to self-isolate.*
 
In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, individuals meeting the above criteria can end isolation and return to work provided infection prevention and control procedure are followed in line with the College of Optometrists Amber Phase guidance.     
 
We advise members to continue to check your national government website regularly for the latest local information. 

Covid vaccines for 16 & 17 year-olds confirmed
 
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that 16 & 17 year-olds will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine. Those already eligible for vaccination include individuals aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities, Down's Syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities. Also eligible are people in this age group who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. 

Three-quarters of the UK now jabbed
 
More than 75% of UK adults have now received two Covid-19 jabs. According to the latest figures, 39,688,566 people have received both doses, while seven million have had one jab. Read the story.

Herd immunity "not possible" with Delta variant
 
The Oxford Vaccine Group says herd immunity is "not a possibility" because the Delta variant still spreads fast and infects fully vaccinated people. The Group's director, Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, told a parliamentary panel on Coronavirus that "anyone still unvaccinated at some point will meet the virus". Find out more. 

Scotland update

Latest PCA
 
The Scottish Government latest PCA (PCA(O)2021(9)) provides:

• An update on physical distancing requirements in health and social care settings
• Revised IPC guidance for community health and care settings - environmental cleaning and waste disposal
• The allowance values, criteria and claims process for CET undertaken by optometrists and OMPs in 2020
• The pre-registration trainee supervisor grant amount and claims process for trainee optometrists taken on, on or after 1 April 2021.

Eyes.Scot website now live
 
The PCA also advises that the public beta version of the Eyes.Scot website is live, and you will no longer need a log-in or password to access the site.
 
New Covid poster
 
A new poster for all community optometry practices providing General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) in Scotland is available via Eyes.Scot.
 
Optometry Scotland webinar
 
Optometry Scotland hosts a free webinar on Facebook on 24 August from 6pm to 7.30pm about returning to 'a new normal' way of working, with an expert panel to answer your questions.
 
The panellists include FODO Scotland Chair Kathryn Trimmer, ABDO Regional Lead Brenda Rennie, AOP Clinical Adviser Kevin Wallace, PHS Primary Care Cell Co-Lead Kathy Kenmuir, and Scottish Government Community Eyecare Team Leader Mike Stewart.
 
Optometry Scotland would like you to send your questions in advance via [email protected] so OS Vice-Chair Julie Mosgrove and Optometrist Eilidh Thomson can direct you to the most suitable panellist. Learn more. 

Other sector news

BCLA announces new conference

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) has announced that a new conference on 7 September will focus on tele-optometry. BCLA Vision will cover how to integrate tele-optometry into an optical business. 

AMD as disease spectrum
 
Ophthalmology Times reports on a new review article on age-related macular degeneration that expands the definition of AMD as having several pathological conditions. In addition, the paper contains a global overview that ophthalmologists, trainee ophthalmologists and physicians interested in the subject should find helpful. Read more.
 
Optician Awards - entries now open
 
The Opticians Awards 2021 are now open and include two new awards - the Covid Heroes Award and the Sustainability Award. Optician magazine is planning a party in London on 2 December 2021 to present the trophies and give those in practice, business and the industry a chance to network and celebrate. View the categories and nominate your colleagues. 

*Amendment made to the Northern Ireland self-isolation rules as they were updated on Friday 13 August after our newsletter was sent out to members.