Behind the headlines

30 July 2021
Summer 2021

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Virtual A&E triage is ‘as safe as’ in-person service

Accident and emergency eye care patients can be triaged just as safely in video consultations as face to face, a new study claims.

Researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital compared the cases of 404 emergency patients who had video consultations with 451 who attended in person over two weeks in 2020. 

The two senior ophthalmologists found none of the patients suffered harm as a result of the way they were triaged. 

The authors of the study, published in EClinicalMedicine (Li et al, 2021), wrote that they had demonstrated “comparable patient safety” for the two approaches. 

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists say new research shows “current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road”

Find out what the College has been doing to influence government eye care policy across the UK.

From national policy influence, historic celebrations and new beginnings, July to September delivered impactful milestones shaping the future of eye care.