10 January 2023: Member update

• Update on mask wearing and IPC guidance for care home settings in England: The Department of Health and Social Care has recently issued updated guidance on mask wearing in care homes in England.

14 October 2022: Member update

• COVID-19: Universal mask-wearing reminder in Scotland: The Scottish government recommends the continuation of universal masking in optometry practices.

8 July 2022: Member update

• Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, regional NHS bodies in England are asking practices to review their mask-wearing guidance.

10 May 2022: Member update

• From today, optometrists in the whole of the UK will return to the Green phase as we stand down the Amber phase COVID-19 guidance.

5 May 2022: Member update

• Each nation's health system has confirmed that they support a move to the ‘Green’ phase on Tuesday 10 May 2022. From then, the College’s COVID-19 Amber phase guidance will no longer apply in all UK nations.

22 Apr 2022: Member update

• A step-down of physical distancing measures have been announced for healthcare settings in England.

20 Apr 2022: Member update

• Transition to Green phase: In conjunction with each UK Nation’s health system and government public health bodies, optometry practices are expected to move to “Green” phase in early May 2022.
• We have updated our Guidance for Professional Practice to ensure it aligns with each Nation’s public health advice, including the recommended respiratory infection prevention and controls to minimise risk of transmission.

30 Mar 2022: Member update

• The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that frontline NHS workers will continue to have access to free LFD tests after 1 April in England. We understand this includes optometrists and practice teams. Individuals will need to set up an account via the Government portal to order tests.

10 Mar 2022: Member update

• We have signed a joint letter with GOC to encourage vaccine uptake - In the letter, we highlight the importance of vaccination against transmissible diseases, and the responsibilities our professionals have.

23 Feb 2022: Member updates

• We've issued advice, jointly with ABDO, following the Prime Minister's announced that England would be removing all remaining COVID-19 legal restrictions from 24 February 2022.
• Practices in Scotland can complete a grant application to fund an air filtration device, but must do so by 31 March 2022.

10 Jan 2021: Member update

• The College’s COVID-19 FAQs have been updated in relation to when ophthalmologists in Scotland can return to work this is accompanied by an updated DL.

20 December 2021: Member update

• The College’s COVID-19 guidance section 3.2 has been updated to recognise that some health systems may require practices contracted to provide urgent and emergency eye care to offer a risk-assessed pathway for patients who also present with suspected or confirmed respiratory infection (including COVID-19). 

14 December 2021: Member update

• Move to Alert Level 4 announced across the UK: The College issues advice following the Prime Minister's announced that the UK would return to COVID Alert Level 4.

10 December 2021: Member update 

• The Scottish Government has updated its advice on returning to work if someone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 following a PCR test

8 December 2021: Member update

• Supporting members in their vaccine decisions: We believe that vaccine uptake will be maximised where staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations.

1 September 2021: Member update 

• The Scottish Government has relaxed physical distancing in health and care settings from two meters to one metre. 

26 August 2021: Member update

We have added two new FAQs:

• I occasionally work in a care home. Is it a requirement to have a COVID-19 vaccination?
• Someone in my household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 following a PCR test. I have no symptoms, a negative PCR and LFT. Can I continue to work in optometry practice?

22 July 2021 - Member update (England)

• We have updated our Amber phase COVID-19 guidance to help practices across the UK deliver eye care safely and effectively at this stage of the pandemic.

20 July 2021 - Member update (England)

• Joint statement. The College, ABDO, the AOP and FODO advise that optical practices should continue to follow Amber phase COVID-19 guidance; and self-isolation exemptions in England are unlikely to apply in primary eye care settings at this stage of the pandemic.

20 July 2021 - Member update (Wales)

• Alert level 0 set to be announced in Wales. Following Wales' move into alert level 1 of their four-tier system on 17 July, the First Minister has announced that Wales will be moving to level 0 from the 7 August, provided the public health situation allows.

13 July 2021: Member update

• COVID-19 guidance for primary eye care services in England: The College, ABDO, the AOP and FODO have issued guidelines on appropriate infection prevention and control measures following recent government announcements.

21 April 2021: Member update

• College and ABDO issue joint statement on infection control: The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and The College of Optometrists urge all employers to support their clinicians and their teams to maintain the high standards of infection control.
• College seeks extension to temporary changes to GOC handbook: The College has written to the GOC in support of an extension to the temporary changes made to the Optometry Handbook and Supervision policy by the GOC in August 2020.

23 February 2021: Member update

• Updated FAQ: If a member of the practice team has had a positive PCR test and recovered from COVID-19, should they still self-isolate if they are subsequently exposed to a positive contact?

18 February 2021: Member update

• England: Healthcare workers in priority group 2 now have the option to book their vaccination appointments in a vaccination centre or community pharmacy through the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Booking Service.  This is open until 28 February 2021.
• New FAQs: We have written new COVID-19 FAQs on the following topics:
  • COVID-19 vaccination
  • After recovering from COVID-19
  • Patients without face coverings.

10 February 2021: Member update

• Vaccine portal for locums and non-NHS practices: We explain where you can register locally for the COVID-19 vaccine.

1 February 2021: Member update

• New COVID-19 and the Scheme page: This includes information, updates and frequently asked questions for pre-registration trainees on the Scheme for Registration.

27 January 2021: Member update

• New WebinarXtra podcast episode: Delivering eye care in the current lockdown - we answer questions there wasn't time to answer during last week's webinar.
• New COVID-19 resources:
  • Triaging patients in line with Amber Phase guidance: We have developed tools and guidance to help your practice staff to triage patients over the phone during the Amber Phase.
  • Letter to employers reminding them that their procedures should be compliant with both the College and national and local guidance, as well as emphasising their duty of care to staff and patients.

15 January 2021: Member update

• New FAQ: Are current IPC and PPE effective against the new strains of COVID-19?

13 January 2021: Member update

• New FAQ: Are optometrists considered to be frontline health workers in terms of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination?

12 January 2021: Member update

• We have updated two of our COVID-19 FAQs to provide further clarity on providing services to patients during the Amber Phase:
  • Can I see routine patients during the amber phase of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • COVID-19 levels are higher than they were during the first lockdown in March. Why is the College advising that optometrists are in Amber Phase and not Red Phase?

7 January 2021: Member update

• Answering your questions on the Amber Phase - Watch our video and read our FAQs for more information on eye care provision under the new national restrictions.

5 January 2021: Member update

• Eye care provision under new national restrictions - We provide information for optometrists and pre-reg optometrists following this new announcement.

21 December 2020: Member update

• England: Moving into Tier 4. We explain how additional restrictions will affect optometrists working in Tier 4 areas.
• New variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus: Key information

18 December 2020: Member update

• Alert level 4 announced in Wales - Wales will enter COVID alert level 4 (stay at home lockdown) from 28 December 2020.
• Additional restrictions in Northern Ireland announced - The Northern Ireland Executive has announced a planned six-week period of restrictions, beginning on 26 December, to reduce the spread of coronavirus and alleviate pressure on the health and social care system.

3 December 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: Can I use UVC as a method of disinfection in primary care optometric practice?
• Updated FAQ: I have been advised to self-isolate by the Test and Trace / Test and Protect team after a patient who attended the practice for a sight test has tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

4 November 2020: Member update

• England: Government suspends patient signatures on general ophthalmic services forms. As part of social distancing measures, the government has temporarily suspended the need for patient signatures on general ophthalmic services forms until 31 March 2021.

2 November 2020: Member update

• England lockdown announced: The Government has announced new national restrictions in England from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December

20 October 2020: Member update

• Wales National Firebreak: Additional restrictions to reduce the spread of Coronavirus and alleviate pressure on the health and social care system, through a national ‘firebreak’ will apply from 6pm on Friday 23 October 2020 for two weeks.

13 October 2020: Member update

New FAQs: 

• England and Wales: Should I display a NHS QR code in the practice window or maintain a log of people who visit the practice for unplanned appointments? 
• I have been advised to self-isolate by the Test and Trace/Test and Protect team after a patient who attended the practice for a sight test has tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
• Should I use the NHS Test and Trace or Protect Scotland app on my phone while at work in a healthcare setting?

23 September 2020: Member update

• New FAQs:
  • What does the UK-wide return to level 4 mean for me?
  • Do staff who work behind a screen or who are more than 2m from patients have to wear a face covering?
  • A patient has come in to the practice and now told me that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Do any of the staff need to self-isolate?

10 September 2020: Member update

• Scheme for Registration update: Stage Two assessments for pre-registration trainees can begin from Friday 11 September. If you have completed all of your Stage One assessments, and have been signed off in all 75 competences, you will now be able to begin Stage Two. Find out more.

27 August 2020: Member update

• We have an update for current pre-registration trainees and an update on the 2020/21 Scheme for registration.

19 August 2020: Member update

• Did you know we have a dedicated learning area for COVID-19 training? Ensure your skills are up-to-date with our COVID-19 CET.

12 August 2020: Member update

• Ophthalmology and Optometry: The College and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists launch joint vision for eye care during and beyond the pandemic.

7 August 2020: Member update

• We updated our guidance non-medical contact lens fitting, in light of new evidence and consultations, to say they can now take place during the amber phase of the pandemic.

6 August 2020: Member update

• We have updated our joint guidance with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists on the use of bowl perimeters for testing visual field during COVID-19.
• We issued guidance on preparing for local lockdowns.

30 July 2020: Member update

• We have developed joint guidance with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists on the use of bowl perimeters for testing visual field during COVID-19. 
• Watch a video of our recent Instagram Q&A on the new Scheme for Registration remote assessments.
• Johnathan Waugh: Life in lockdown - part two. Johnathan Waugh MCOptom reflects on his time testing for COVID-19 in care homes in part two of his diaries

28 July 2020: Member update

• Join us for a coffee break tomorrow (10.30-11.30am)! Our informal online sessions are aimed at helping our members stay connected and discuss their experiences during this unique time. You will join a large group for an introduction and then participate in a smaller group discussion (up to 6 members) for up to an hour. Book your place.
• Reiss Jhamat: Life in lockdown. Optometrist, Reiss Jhamat MCOptom, recounts his experience working during the pandemic, and the introduction of the local Leicester lockdown.

24 July 2020: Member update

• Update on face coverings in England: Since the Secretary of State's announcement regarding the wearing of face coverings in shops in England, we have been seeking further detail on how this impacts optical practices.

22 July 2020: Member update

• Johnathan Waugh: Life in Lockdown: Johnathan Waugh MCOptom reflects on his time working in a COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the beginning of the pandemic in part one of his diaries.
• Join us for a coffee break! Our informal online sessions are aimed at helping our members stay connected and discuss their experiences during this unique time. You will join a large group for an introduction and then participate in a smaller group discussion (up to 6 members) for up to an hour. Book your place.

21 July 2020: Member update

• Scheme for Registration: We have received notice from the GOC that remote Stage One assessments for pre-registration trainees can begin from Monday 27 July 2020. This only applies to trainees on Stage One of the Scheme, who had already completed at least two visits before lockdown. Find out more.

15 July 2020: Member update

• Help shape our COVID-19 guidance by completing this survey by 31 July 2020 [survey expired].
• Pre-reg during a pandemic - part two. Seraphina Yap, a trainee at PLM Optometrists in Scotland, reflects on her life as a pre-reg during the start of the pandemic with her supervisor David Cummins MCOptom DipTP (IP).

10 July 2020: Member update

• Workforce risk assessment for primary eye care practices. The College, in collaboration with FODO, ADBO and AOP, has developed a COVID-19 workforce risk assessment for primary eye care practices.

9 July 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: What does “one metre plus” social distance advice mean for optical practices in England?
• In conversation with: Dr Janet Pooley MCOptom, Optometric Advisor to the Scottish Government. In this episode College President Colin Davidson FCOptom talks to Dr Janet Pooley MCOptom about delivering eye care in Scotland during the pandemic, lessons learned and future challenges and opportunities. Watch the video.
• Hassnain Safdar: Life in lockdown - part two. Locum optometrist, Hassnain Safdar MCOptom, updates us on his experience as part of the Test and Trace team, and reflects on the current local lockdown in Leicester.

6 July 2020: Member update

• Preparing for local lockdowns: College guidance. We've written some guidance to help you prepare in the event of a lockdown in your local area.

3 July 2020: Member update

• We have updated our FAQs for trainees and their supervisors on the scheme, along with a video providing further information for trainees who are back in practice.
• We've just launched the second of our COVID-19 CET courses for members: How to provide telephone consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Join our free member webinar on 15 July (7.30 pm - 9 pm): Has the coronavirus pandemic changed optometry for good (or bad)?

2 July 2020: Member update

• We’ve launched the first of two COVID-19 related CET courses for members: How to practice safely during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Luke McRoy-Jones: Student life in lockdown. As lockdown eases, final year Plymouth student Luke McRoy-Jones reflects on his experience since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

30 June 2020: Member update

• COVID-19: Local lockdown in Leicester: The Secretary of State for Health has announced stricter lockdown measures in Leicester for a two week period due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the city. We have, therefore, issued a number of recommendations for members and optical practices in the area.
• New FAQ: Which areas of Leicestershire are covered by the localised lockdown introduced on 30 June?

29 June 2020: Member update

• We issued a statement as Amber recovery phase confirmed for all four nations
• We added new FAQs:
  • How does the College’s recovery phase table align with the national COVID-19 alert level?
  • What should I do if a patient refuses to wear a face covering?
• What has the pandemic taught you professionally? We asked a number of members from around the world what the current pandemic has taught them professionally. Watch our new video to see what they had to say.
• Josie Evans: Life in lockdown. Optometrist at Linklater & Warren Opticians, Josie Evans MCOptom, reflects on her experiences and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

26 June 2020: Member update

• We launched a new series of informative and thought-provoking interviews, with Colin Davidson FCOptom, the College President talking to key stakeholders from the devolved nations on their approaches to providing primary and secondary eye care during the initial stages of the pandemic.
  • In conversation with: David O'Sullivan MCOptom (Wales)
  • In conversation with: Raymond Curran MCOptom (Northern Ireland)

25 June 2020: Member update

• Tulsi Parekh: Life in lockdown. Research optometrist, Tulsi Parekh MCOptom, reflects on the ups and downs of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

24 June 2020: Member update

• Updated CMG: New evidence to suggest a rare link between COVID-19 and conjunctivitis (viral, non-herpetic). Please read the newly updated CMG for the latest guidance.
• Pre-reg during a pandemic - part one. Join Seraphina Yap, pre-reg trainee at PLM Optometrists in Scotland, as she navigates her new life on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic with her supervisor David Cummins MCOptom DipTP (IP).

23 June 2020: Member update

• The College ran a live Instagram Q&A session yesterday, answering all your amber phase guidance queries. Watch the video.

22 June 2020: Member update

• Wales has now moved into the amber phase of the pandemic. The Welsh government has issued optometry recovery guidance for the amber phase.
• Updated COVID-19 traffic light table - moving from red to amber to green phase

19 June 2020: Member update

• NHS England and the GOC support The College of Optometrists' guidance in the recovery period
• New Amber phase FAQs
  • Can I see routine patients during the amber phase of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Can we send out recall letters?
• New Clinical FAQ: Should I complete pre-screening?

18 June 2020: Member update

• We now have College-branded floor stickers available for members to purchase to help ensure social distancing in practice.
• Updated FAQ: What should I do if a patient needs to have a medical or asks for a driving vision/VA or visual field test?
• Northern Ireland: The start date of Phase 1 of the re-establishment of ophthalmic services has been confirmed as Monday 29 June 2020.

17 June 2020: Member update

• We welcome GOC's clarification on re-opening optical practices in England.
• New poster to reassure children during the amber phase of the pandemic.
• We've updated the COVID-19 traffic light table - moving from red to amber to green phase.

16 June 2020: Member update

• We welcome GOC's clarification on re-opening optical practices in England.
• The College and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have issued guidance on the use of non-contact tonometry to measure intra-ocular pressure during COVID-19.
• New FAQs:
  • Can I use direct ophthalmoscopy?
  • Which type of tonometry should I use?
• We have issued a statement on the amber guidance.
• Our new resources are there to help you navigate the amber phase of the pandemic.

15 June 2020: Member update

• Optometrists across England expand services to offer wider care to patients. Services expand as the College’s survey shows 22% of people noticed their vision get worse over the course of lockdown.
• We've updated the amber phase FAQs.
• Download the new amber phase infographic.
• Our patient video 'COVID-19: Protecting our patients and our team' [LINK TO PATIENT VIDEOS] is available for members to share and embed on their own websites, emails and social media.

12 June 2020: Member update

• Practices in England can move to the amber phase from 15 June. Find out more.
• New amber phase FAQs:
  • The College has advised that practices in England are now entering the amber phase. Is this the case for the other nations?
  • Why wasn’t the decision made earlier?
  • The College advises that patient care can be provided on a needs- and symptoms-led basis, while still prioritising essential and urgent cases. What does that mean in practice?
  • Do the same social distancing, hygiene and PPE measures apply as have in lockdown?
  • What does amber phase mean for GOS patients in England? Can they be seen? Will they be funded?
  • Can I offer patients private appointments for sight tests?
  • What is the difference between ‘needs led’ and ‘essential’?
  • Is there a disparity between GOS and Private provision?
  • When will my GOS NHS support payments end?
  • What resources does the College have in place for members?
• Download the new amber phase door poster.

10 June 2020: Member update

• Updated guidance on how to adapt your working practices when we move into the amber (recovery) phase. This includes an updated COVID-19 traffic light table.
• NHS England has released a letter (9 June 2020) on minimising nosocomial infections in the NHS, which includes information on 'test and trace' and management of outbreaks.
• NHS Education for Scotland and the Welsh Government have produced guidance for resuming ophthalmic services once we are in the recovery phase.

8 June 2020: Member update

• Forde Opticians: Life in lockdown - part two. Join Gemma Hill MCOptom, Optometrist and Owner of Forde Opticians, as she updates us on her life in practice and search for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 June 2020: Member update

• We've responded to reports of practices resuming routine eye care.

4 June 2020: Member update

• Jagdeep Singh: Life in lockdown - part two. Join Jagdeep Singh MCOptom, Optometrist at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, for part two of his experience working in hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Updated FAQ: If dentists have been given a date to reopen, why haven’t optometrists?

1 June 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: I see you have published guidance on optometric services during the ‘amber’ phase of the pandemic. I am not clear which phase we are currently in. Can you explain please?
• Tina Chudasama: Life in lockdown. Join optometrist, Tina Chudasama MCOptom, as she reflects on being furloughed while between jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

29 May 2020: Member update

• The College of Optometrists primary eye care COVID-19 guidance: Amber phase: This guidance is to help optometrists understand how to adapt their working practices as we move into the amber phase of the pandemic.
• Paddy Gunn: Life in lockdown. Join Paddy Gunn MCOptom, Principle Optometrist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, as he reflects on the challenges faced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• New FAQ: If dentists have been given a date to reopen why haven’t optometrists? Dentistry is much more risky than optometry when it comes to infection control.

28 May 2020: Member update

• We've updated our A4 COVID-19 symptoms poster for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, which you can download, print off and display outside your practice.

27 May 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: When can I start to do routine sight testing again?
• Independent Prescribing June examination update [page expired].

26 May 2020: Member update

• Scheme for Registration updates for trainees and final year students, including video messages from the Head of Assessment.

21 May 2020: Member update

• Insiyah Bharmal: Life in lockdown. Insiyah Bharmal, Optometrist at Vision Express in Nottingham, takes you through her journey of returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

19 May 2020: Member update

• 'Loss of, or change in taste or smell (anosmia)' has now been added to the list of COVID-19 symptoms.
• We've updated the following FAQs:
  • What PPE should I wear?
  • What type of mask should I wear?
  • Can I wear a FFP3 or FFP2 mask instead of a surgical mask?
  • Should my reception staff or patients wear PPE?
  • Should I tell my patients to stop wearing their contact lenses during this pandemic?
• England: NHS England is inviting optical practices to complete a short online survey and join an online workshop to share their experiences of the impact of Covid-19. The online workshop is anonymous and open 24/7 over the next two weeks.
• Wales: All optical practices across Wales are required to complete this EPR and Open Eyes survey by 30 May 2020, in readiness for the Electronic Patient Record connectivity process to start.

14 May 2020: Member update

• COVID-19: Diary of an optometrist - part four. The fourth and final part of Dr Deacon Harle's experiences of providing urgent and essential care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

12 May 2020: Member update

• Urgent alert on the removal of Tiger Eye Protector Product from the supply chain in respect of COVID-19 use.
• COVID-19: Easing of lockdown in England - optometrists to continue to deliver only essential and urgent eye care.
• Jagdeep Singh: Life in lockdown. Join Jagdeep Singh MCOptom, Optometrist at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, as he takes you through his new routine, both inside and outside the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

11 May 2020: Member update

• Donya Gharanei: Life in lockdown. Join Donya Gharanei MCOptom, Optometrist at Specsavers Opticians in Acocks Green, as she discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7 May 2020: Member update

• Independent prescribing (IP) update on the June examination [page expired].
• COVID-19: Diary of an optometrist - part three. The third part of Dr Deacon Harle's experiences of providing urgent and essential care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• COVID-19: Life on the frontline. Join Rosie Gavzey MCOptom as she takes you through her experience of volunteering at London’s NHS Nightingale Hospital.

6 May 2020: Member update

• COVID-19: Update on testing for optometrists. We outline COVID-19 testing information for optometrists in all four UK nations.
• PPE for optical practices in England: Following the College’s successful influencing to ensure optometry was included in national PPE guidance, LOCSU, together with Primary Eyecare Services (PES), has made PPE available for optical practices in England to purchase via a not-for-profit online shop. We understand that many PPE items have already sold out, but LOCSU is working on new supply chains and advises to check the shop daily for updates. If, when stocks are back, you still are unable to access PPE for any reason, let us know.
• NHS England webinar: Implementing the COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES): This solutions-focused webinar, aimed at CCG primary care leads and featuring College President Colin Davidson FCOptom, will provide examples of how CCGs have implemented a CUES service or a similar in their local area and discuss how CCGs have overcome barriers to implementation. There will be the opportunity to ask questions in an extended Q&A. Sign up here.

5 May 2020: Member update

• Patient case files: Join David Cummins MCOptom, Optometrist and Partner at PLM Optometrists in Scotland, as he takes you through a series of real-life cases, managed at his practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• There has been a sharp rise in DIY-related eye injuries since COVID-19: Our advice on eye protection when working in the home or garden.
• The lockdown locum life: Join Hassnain Safdar MCOptom, a Locum based in the East Midlands, as he navigates through his new 'normal' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1 May 2020: Member update

• Read our response to a recent contact lens promotion aimed at NHS workers.
• Our response to the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's guidance on reopening and redeveloping services after COVID-19.
• Forde Opticians: Life in lockdown. Join Gemma Hill MCOptom, Optometrist and Owner of Fordes Opticians, as she takes you through her life as a ‘one-man band’ in her independent practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Acuity - Remote consultations and patient decision-making. The latest edition of our member journal is out now.

30 April 2020: Member update

• Scheme for Registration: Read our update for final year students and watch our video.
• COVID-19 - Staying safe with remote consultations. Léa Surugue looks at how to carry out effective virtual consultations in a time of social distancing and discusses the clinical and legal pitfalls in the latest edition of Acuity.
• Difficult times: Amid the upheaval caused by COVID-19, Dr Susan Blakeney FCOptom, the College’s Clinical Adviser, asks if one of the unexpected consequences of the crisis could be positive clinical change, in her latest Clinical notes.
• COVID-19: Diary of an optometrist - part two. The second part of Dr Deacon Harle's experiences of providing urgent and essential care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

29 April 2020: Member update

• Scheme for Registration update. We appreciate how difficult and worrying this time is for all pre-registration trainees. To help provide some clarity, we have also included a new video update on the Scheme for Registration.
• Clinical question: Can I prescribe a medicine based on a remote consultation?

28 April 2020: Member update

• Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Life in isolation - Judith Potts, founder of Esme's Umbrella, discusses the effects of isolation on those who live with Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

27 April 2020: Member update

• Life in lockdown: Join Nicola and Oliver Gatehouse, owners of Ball & Gatehouse Opticians, as they update you on the challenges they have faced in their practice since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

23 April 2020: Member update

• Diary of an optometrist (part one) - Dr Deacon Harle FCOptom records his experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• New FAQ on our patient-facing website, LookAfterYourEyes.org: I have a medical condition and am waiting for the DVLA to renew my driving licence. Can I continue to drive while I’m waiting?

22 April 2020: Member update

• New COVID-19 diaries: Join Faye McDearmid MCOptom, optometrist at Campbell & McDearmid in Redcar, as she updates us on her week at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• New FAQ: What should I do if a patient needs to have a medical or asks for a driving vision/VA or visual field test?
• Updated FAQ: 'How can I tell my patients to check their visual acuity remotely?' includes a link to a video on how to use a home sight test chart.

17 April 2020: Member update

• NHS England: COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service - CUES: This outlines a COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service delivered from a network of optical practices, acting as urgent eye care hubs, to support the immediate and recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

15 April 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: How can I tell my patients to check their visual acuity remotely?
• Updated FAQ: If we are seeing fewer routine patients, can we help out the NHS in other ways?

14 April 2020: Member update

• The NHSEI statement on redeploying the optical workforce.

9 April 2020: Member update

• Updates on PPE made to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: Guidance for optometrists
• Updated FAQs:
  • What PPE should I wear?
  • Should reception staff wear PPE?
  • How do I put on and take off PPE correctly?
  • How should I dispose of my PPE?
  • Do I still have to wash my hands and use other infection control techniques if I wear PPE?
  • What is the College doing to help us get PPE?
  • I am unable to get PPE – what should I do?
  • How do I conduct a phone or video consultation with a patient?

6 April 2020: Member update

• Ophthalmology and Optometry Patient Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Updated FAQs:
  • Do I still need to meet the GOC’s CET requirements for this year?
  • I have my IP assessment coming up. Is this still going ahead?

3 April 2020: Member update

• Ophthalmology and Optometry Patient Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The UK‘s public health bodies and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges have published new guidance about personal protective equipment (PPE).
• England: Updates and guidance for optical settings.
• New/updated FAQs:
  • UK Government and NHS leaders across all four nations have published new PPE guidance, what PPE should I use?
  • How should I put on and take off Personal Protective Equipment?
  • Do I need to wear a surgical mask when examining healthy asymptomatic patients?
  • I am unable to get a PPE – what should I do?
  • What urgent conditions should be referred to the Hosptial Eye Service?
  • What precautions should I put in place if I need to see patients?
• New Scheme for Registration FAQs for trainees sponsored by the College on a Tier 5 visa

2 April 2020: Member update

• New FAQs:
  • Should I continue with business as normal?
  • How can I access information to give to patients during the lockdown period?
  • Should I tell my patients to stop wearing their contact lenses during this pandemic?
• New FAQ on LookAfterYourEyes.org for people living with sight loss.

1 April 2020: Member update

• The College and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have issued a joint letter requesting urgent GOS financial support for optical practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Remote consultations during COVID-19 pandemic guidance and forms.
• Updated guidance for optometrists.
• Northern Ireland: COVID-19 - Financial support for ophthalmic contractors (25 March 2020)
• Updated FAQs, including:
  • helping the NHS
  • what to do if you or your staff are in at-risk groups and have been asked to self-isolate
  • financial support for practice owners, locums and other self-employed optometrists
  • wearing surgical masks
  • what the College is doing about ensuring you have the appropriate PPE
  • what to do if you are unable to get a mask
  • what precautions to put in place if seeing patients
  • advice on air-puff tonometry.
• Updated IP FAQs

31 March 2020: Member update

Acuity: COVID-19 – can chloroquine help tackle the pandemic? [LINK] The antimalarial drug may be a glimmer of hope as coronavirus takes hold across the world, if the threat of retinopathy can be managed.

30 March 2020: Member update

• Optical practices have now been added to the list of primary care providers who require appropriate PPE.
• If you missed our COVID-19 Q&A with our Clinical Advisers, Sue and Daniel, and Head of Assessment, Alastair, on Friday, you can catch up now on their answers to your clinical, Scheme for Registration and PPE queries.
• The Welsh Government has issued further guidance on the provision of urgent and essential eye care and financial support.

27 March 2020: Member update

• Protecting patients in Primary Care: Our latest position statement on seeing patients in primary care during COVID-19.
• COVID-19 Q&A on social media from 12pm-3pm today. Post your questions on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
• Position on use of PPE Personal Protective Equipment) during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists updates its guidance on PPE (25 March 2020)
• Updated FAQs
• COVID-19 advice for patients on LookAfterYourEyes.org

26 March 2020: Member update

• The NHS is looking for volunteer health and care professionals – follow the link to find out how you can get involved.
• Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO): All journal articles relating to COVID-19 research are now free to access online and are updated daily.
• Scottish Government: information on the provision of emergency or essential community eye care during the COVID-19 social distancing measures announced on 23 March. It also provides clarification of aspects of the financial support measures introduced in the previous communication and an update on emergency dispensing.
• Scheme for Registration update: announcement regarding COVID-19 and the Scheme for Registration
• Independent Prescribing (IP) examination update [LINK]

26 March 2020: Scheme for Registration update

We want assure trainees, supervisors and employers that we are developing proposals to modify the Scheme for Registration requirements in these exceptional circumstances. While work has begun on these, it will take some time to develop full proposals and have them signed-off by the GOC. 

We are working to put in place arrangements that recognise that pre-registration trainees are unlikely to be employed in supervised practice for a period of time, and therefore not able to meet the standard Scheme requirements. We are also exploring what we can do differently, having had to suspend work-based assessment visits on the Scheme. 

We are exploring modifications we can make and how competencies can be assessed differently, all while upholding the rigour of the Scheme and ensuring patient safety. We are involving key stakeholders in this work, and will test our plans with different parties, including employers and the GOC. We recognise we need to build confidence in any potential modifications, so that they are both credible and practical.

We are developing a process for approving extensions to allotted time on the Scheme for trainees whose placements and progress are affected by COVID-19. This will aim to avoid individual trainees needing to apply separately for extensions (as is the case under standard Scheme regulations).

We are also exploring how we can work with employers to support trainees’ learning and development while their supervised practice is suspended. 

We will keep you updated with all Scheme for Registration developments. 

We want assure trainees, supervisors and employers that we are developing proposals to modify the Scheme for Registration requirements in these exceptional circumstances. While work has begun on these, it will take some time to develop full proposals and have them signed-off by the GOC. 

We are working to put in place arrangements that recognise that pre-registration trainees are unlikely to be employed in supervised practice for a period of time, and therefore not able to meet the standard Scheme requirements. We are also exploring what we can do differently, having had to suspend work-based assessment visits on the Scheme. 

We are exploring modifications we can make and how competencies can be assessed differently, all while upholding the rigour of the Scheme and ensuring patient safety. We are involving key stakeholders in this work, and will test our plans with different parties, including employers and the GOC. We recognise we need to build confidence in any potential modifications, so that they are both credible and practical.

We are developing a process for approving extensions to allotted time on the Scheme for trainees whose placements and progress are affected by COVID-19. This will aim to avoid individual trainees needing to apply separately for extensions (as is the case under standard Scheme regulations).

We are also exploring how we can work with employers to support trainees’ learning and development while their supervised practice is suspended. 

We will keep you updated with all Scheme for Registration developments. 

The latest guidance and information is available on our COVID-19 page and on our social media channels.

26 March 2020: Independent prescribing (IP) examination update

We had to cancel delivery of the College’s IP exam, due to have been held on 1st April, to comply with Covid-19 requirements. We will keep under review when it will be possible to deliver the exam in its conventional format.

We are currently exploring how the exam could be conducted differently. We are looking into the feasibility of the College using software that enables candidates to sit exams securely online, with remote invigilation (our current exam system does not allow us to run the exam online). We will provide an update once we can indicate precisely what it is possible for us to do.

We also recognise that optometrists with IP rights can make a particularly valuable contribution to meeting patient care needs differently, including in the context of more eye care being delivered outside hospital settings where this is safe to do so. We are involved in discussions with the General Optical Council and other partners on how optometrists’ professional skills, including those relating to IP, can be optimised to meet patient care and service delivery needs in the current circumstances and how the profession’s skills and contribution can be promoted. We will provide an update on this shortly.

25 March 2020: Member update

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: Guidance for optometrists
• OFNC updated guidance on opening arrangements for optical practices.
• Updated COVID-19 in -practice poster.
• Updated FAQs, including a new FAQ on financial support for practice owners, locums and other self-employed optometrists.

24 March 2020: Member update

• Updated FAQs, including new essential eye services poster.
• Northern Ireland: Health and Social Care Board announcement to suspend all routine General Ophthalmic Services and domiciliary eyecare services (PDF, 135KB).

23 March 2020: Recommendation to only offer ‘essential’ eye care

We have listened to our members’ concerns, and the public health advice coming from the UK's governments to avoid social contact where possible. As a result the College recommends that every optometrist and practice owner stops providing routine sight tests and routine eye examinations, and offers only essential services. Essential services would include sight tests based on a clinical need, and urgent eye care pathways. We note that some practices are doing this on a voluntary basis already.

There are several reasons for this:

1. Practices now need to contribute to the public health endeavour of ensuring that people only go out when necessary. Routine sight tests can be safely delayed.
2. It is essential we help to keep the nation‘s sight healthy - from NHS frontline staff to those in self-isolation. Our communities still need essential eye care, and secondary care may need our support to see urgent cases. We therefore need to ensure our members and all optical staff are able to protect themselves and maintain the safety of their communities.
3. We understand the growing concern about the potential for tears to lead to COVID-19 infection and are waiting for more certain evidence on this.  In the meantime optometrists should not put themselves at unnecessary risk, and we are asking UK governments to provide appropriate PPE for optometrists who are providing essential services.

We note that the Welsh and Scottish governments have already issued advice on essential primary eye services and stopping routine sight tests. We are pressing NHS England and the HSCNI to do the same, and to provide financial support to enable practices to continue to be viable eye care centres. 

I feel unsafe seeing patients without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

We are calling on UK governments to provide access to PPE and training on how to use it for optometrists wishing to provide essential eye care.

I am a pre-reg trainee – how will this affect me?

Although assessments have stopped, we know that we have previously advised that trainees can continue to see patients. With only essential services being provided, trainees can help with telephone triage to decide whether a patient should be seen. We are currently liaising with the GOC on changes that we can make to the Scheme for Registration requirements so that trainees are not unfairly held back in their progress.

What is essential?

Examples of essential optometric practice would include providing replacement spectacles for a key worker who has broken theirs, or seeing patients with acute eye- or sight-related symptoms. It would not include seeing patients who are attending practice for their routine sight test without eye- or sight-related symptoms.

We recommend that – before making any appointment – you operate a telephone triage service to determine whether or not a patient falls into the ‘essential’ category, and explain to other patients why you are postponing their appointment.

This will affect my business – how will I cope?

We understand that this is a difficult decision for practice owners to make, but we feel this is the right decision for optometrists, their staff and the wider public in helping slow the spread of the pandemic and ensuring that we are able to help with the backlog of patients that will ensue as a result. We are pressing NHS England and NHSCI to provide financial support to enable practices to continue to be viable eye care centres.

20 March 2020: Member update

• Are optometrists considered key workers?
• Do I need to wear a surgical mask when examining healthy asymptomatic patients?
• England: OFNC Announcement on Support for GOS Contractors in England
• Scotland: Suspension of routine eye examinations; Financial support measures for community optometry practices; Other important COVID-19 updates (PDF, 366KB)
• Wales: Temporary Primary Care Contract Changes (PDF, 491KB) and letter to Primary Care Optometry and Health Boards (PDF, 565KB)

It is essential that you continue to take personal responsibility for keeping yourself informed. You should only follow the relevant official guidance and do not act on, or share, any information that cannot be verified, or information that is not consistent with official advice. Clinical misinformation can have significant consequences and we all need to actively guard against it. If you have any queries, consult our FAQs in the first instance, or email our clinical advice service.

19 March 2020: Member update

Scheme for Registration update:

• Information for trainees, supervisors and assessors on Cancellation of stage 1 and stage 2 assessment visits and exceptional measures
• FAQs for trainees
• FAQs for assessors.

Clinical updates:

• The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ joint statement on viral conjunctivitis
• Telephone-based consultancy for replacement glasses and contact lenses – guidance and templates
• New and updated FAQs.

18 March 2020: Member update

Over the days and weeks to come, we will work with our members and stakeholders across the UK to identify what we can do to best serve the public as the situation develops.

We will share information and updates with you on a daily basis - follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest guidance. It is also essential that you continue to take personal responsibility for keeping yourself informed. You should only follow the relevant official guidance and do not act on, or share, any information that cannot be verified, or information that is not consistent with official advice. Clinical misinformation can have significant consequences and we all need to actively guard against it.

18 March 2020: Joint statement from the Optometry Schools Council (OSC) and College of Optometrists on supporting final-year students’ progression to the Scheme for Registration

The OSC and the College of Optometrists are working together to minimise the disruption caused by COVID-19 to optometry education provision and to enable optometry students to meet the requirements to enrol on the Scheme for Registration in 2020. 

We are developing plans, as a matter of urgency, to provide as smooth a transition as possible for graduating students, and for students on programmes that integrate university study and the Scheme. We are doing this in ways that uphold high education and professional standards and ensure adherence to GOC requirements.

We are working to put in place the following arrangements: 

1. Students/new graduates with any deficits in their patient episode numbers and/or clinical competencies that cannot be addressed due to the current disruption to their undergraduate study created by COVID-19, will be supported by their university and the College to demonstrate fulfilment of these requirements during the early stages of their pre-registration placement.
2. The College and universities will work with other stakeholders, including supervisors, employers and College assessors, to ensure that all parties, including patients and the public, can have confidence in the modified arrangements and feel supported in contributing to their implementation. 
3. Students who have outstanding patient episode numbers and/or clinical competencies in 2020 will be eligible for the award of an Optometry degree, providing that their degree performance is at 2:2 standard or above.
4. Universities will work with the College to explore how new graduates can appropriately be supported in their transition to the Scheme during this period of exceptional circumstance, recognising that there may be unavoidable gaps between individuals’ last contact with patients as undergraduate students and their enrolment on the Scheme.

The OSC and the College will share more detailed plans to progress the above as these are developed. We will particularly consider the situation and needs of students enrolled on degree programmes into which the Scheme for Registration is integrated, and of students who enter the Scheme via other progression routes. 

The College is developing plans to support all trainees’ progression through the Scheme for Registration during the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19. This approach is again to uphold high education and professional standards and to meet GOC requirements. These will be shared by the College in due course.

17 March 2020: Message to candidates due to sit the TCFA in Independent Prescribing on 1 April 2020

In the same way as other organisations in these unprecedented times, the College continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully. We understand that this is a difficult, worrying and fast-changing situation for everyone.

In the context of latest government advice regarding COVID-19, we have taken the decision to cancel the Therapeutics Common Final Assessment in Independent Prescribing sitting that was scheduled to take place on 1 April 2020. 

We have made this decision so that all candidates and College staff can follow government and organisational advice on self-isolation and social distancing and respond, as required, to any escalation in this advice. 

Please do not travel to the venue.

All candidates will be automatically transferred onto the next examination sitting, which is currently scheduled for June 2020. Alternatively, candidates may apply to cancel their place altogether, and may request a refund of their examination fee by emailing education.help@college-optometrists.org. 

We will be taking a decision in the next few weeks regarding future examination sittings and are actively exploring alternative assessment arrangements. We will be in touch again with all candidates as these decisions are made.

If you have any queries, please send them to education.help@college-optometrists.org and one of the team will be in touch.

17 March 2020: Message to trainees, supervisors and assessors

In the same way as other organisations in these unprecedented times, the College continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully. We understand that this is a difficult, worrying and fast-changing situation for everyone. We want to assure trainees, supervisors and assessors of the College’s continued support to all those enrolled on and involved with delivery of the Scheme for Registration.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 16 March 2020, we have decided to stop all assessment activity on the Scheme for Registration from 8am on Wednesday 18 March 2020. This means that all assessment visits, at both stage 1 and stage 2, will be cancelled until further notice. We will keep under review how long this suspension needs to be in place, obviously informed by government advice and requirements. 

We have not taken this decision lightly. It is to protect the safety of trainees, supervisors and assessors, as well as patients and the public.

We realise that there will be a number of consequences arising from the decision. We will be in touch again in the next 48 hours with further advice.

Trainees should be assured that the College will continue to support them during this challenging time. As part of our contingency plans, we are exploring how we can most smoothly enable trainees’ allotted time on the Scheme (normally up to 27 months) to be extended, where this need arises due to cancelled visits and wider disruption caused by COVID-19. We will be explaining these arrangements in our updates. 

If you have any urgent queries about assessment an visit that was due to take place in the next 72 hours, please send them to education.help@college-optometrists.org and one of team will be in touch. Otherwise, please wait for further updates.

16 March 2020: Member alert

The College, alongside other optical bodies including the GOC and the Optical Confederation, is part of a regular weekly meeting with NHS England and Improvement to feed into and be updated on coronavirus/COVID-19 related issues relevant to primary care. We are also in contact with the optical advisors in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure we can provide links to the latest national guidance.

The UK optical bodies maintain regular contact so that we can streamline communications and address common questions and concerns, and share these with the national optical leads. 

We know that the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee has put forward a number of contractual proposals to keep the optical sector supported and able to continue treating patients during this, and the next phases of the pandemic. Similar negotiations will be happening in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in respect of the arrangements there. We will share relevant updates on these when we receive them. 

In the coming weeks and months we will be working with other professional bodies across primary and secondary healthcare and eye care to identify ways that our professions can work together to best serve the public during this developing situation. 

In the meantime, please keep checking the national websites linked above each day for updates. We are committed to sharing the latest official information as the situation develops. It is essential that every optometrist continues to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves informed, and checking the national websites linked above each day for updates. Practitioners must only follow the relevant official guidance and ensure they do not act on, or share any information that cannot be verified, or information that is not consistent with the official advice. Clinical misinformation can have significant consequences, we all need to actively guard against it.

If you have questions about the current COVID-19 situation or wish to sense-check information you have seen, email our clinical advice service for support.

28 February 2020: NHS England standard operating procedure

NHS England and NHS Improvement have issued a new coronavirus (COVID-19) standard operating procedure (SOP) for primary care optical settings in England.

It is intended to support primary care teams to implement the PHE guidance COVID-19: interim guidance for primary care by explaining the actions an optical practice should take in managing patients who they suspect may have COVID-19.

Please note that nhs.net will be NHS England’s preferred means for communicating key guidance and resources to practices. Practices that don’t have an nhs.net email address will need to register for one - details on how to do this are included in the SOP.

The key points in the document are:

• the preparations each optical practice should make
• how to register for a nhs.net account for you and your practice
• information practices should give to the public about the virus, including practice posters
• what to do if you think a patient has COVID-19
• how optical practices should perform isolation and decontamination.

Updated guidance

Standard operating procedure for primary care optical settings (England)

Health Protection Scotland has also issued updated advice for opticians and optometrists

Guidance for opticians and optometrists (Scotland)

In Wales and Northern Ireland stay up to date with the latest information and advice from your country’s health authority and ensure you take appropriate precautions if required. 

20 February 2020: Member update

• New FAQ: What should I do to continue, or restart, operations and work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?