This proposal currently applies to optometrists working in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered settings (e.g. NHS hospitals and private medical practices). However, given the critical role optometrists continue to play in delivering eye care during the pandemic, it is likely that any decision to implement the proposals will eventually be applied to optometry across all settings, including primary care.
The safety of patients, optometrists and their colleagues has always been our priority and we ensured that primary care optometrists and practice staff were included as a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccine roll out. The pandemic has seriously affected the provision of eye care, and focused attention on the need to maintain stringent infection and prevention control measures, including access to recommended vaccinations, to protect patients and practice staff from harm. We strongly encourage all optometrists and their colleagues to have all recommended vaccines, unless they are medically exempt.
However, the College does not support mandatory vaccinations as a condition of deployment in healthcare settings. We believe that vaccine uptake will be maximized where optometrists and practice staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations. Read the College and ABDO’s position on mandatory vaccinations here.
The consultation is open for 6 weeks and we would like to include members’ views in our response. If you would like to share your views on the proposal with the College, please contact us at policy@college-optometrists.org.