Infectious diseases

Latest news

The guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is to ensure clinicians are aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

Supplementary guidance

This guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is for preparedness at this time, but clinicians must be aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

Guidance for Professional Practice

Infection control is concerned with two main areas. Firstly, transmission from person to person, and secondly, transmission via a contaminated object.

COVID-19 archives

Advice and guidance for optical professionals on COVID-19.

Read on for the answers to your COVID-19 questions, covering a range of topics from driving and HES referrals to PPE and tonometry.

We’ve been working with governments and eye health organisations across the UK to ensure that you have the all the latest news, information and regulations relating to optometry and COVID-19 in your nation.

Since our first update on 20 March 2020, right at the start of lockdown, we’ve been providing timely, relevant news, information and guidance that you can trust.

More on infectious diseases

College of Optometrists issues advice as part of National Eye Health Week

Clinical files: How can I safely use a visual field machine during the recovery phase of the pandemic?

Podcast: Martin talks to Professor John Lawrenson FCOptom about his OPO paper discussing the evidence relating to COVID-19 and the eye, methods of transmission and practice implications.

Did you know the College has a full online events programme available just for members? Book your space now!

With COVID-19 affecting so many areas of our lives, Helen Gilbert looks at the impact the pandemic is having on optometric and ophthalmological research.

The vision sets out three key principles and recommendations for the development and governance of high quality eye care service.

The pandemic continues to affect the way primary and secondary eye care services are provided for patients in England.

Non-medical contact lens fitting can now take place during the amber phase of the pandemic.

In light of measures being introduced by the government across the UK, here is our guidance on dealing with local lockdown measures.

Johnathan Waugh MCOptom reflects on his time testing for COVID-19 in care homes in part two of his diaries

Optometrist, Reiss Jhamat MCOptom, recounts his experience working during the pandemic, and the introduction of the local Leicester 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 Seraphina Yap, pre-reg trainee at PLM Optometrists in Scotland, as she reflects on her life as a pre-reg during the start of the pandemic with her supervisor David Cummins MCOptom DipTP (IP).

Clinical files: A patient refuses to wear a face covering when attending a primary care practice for a sight test. What should I do?

MILLIONS of Brits could be suffering from eye problems dubbed ‘coronavision’ after feeling that their sight deteriorated during lockdown, according to a study for the College of Optometrists.

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

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.

Podcast: College Council member and optometrist, Dr Parth Shah MCOptom, takes over our airwaves for the final time in with his third COVID-themed podcast.

As lockdown eases, final year Plymouth student Luke McRoy-Jones reflects on his experience since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

As of Monday 29 June 2020, all four UK nations are in the amber phase of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Josie Evans MCOptom, Optometrist at Linklater & Warren Opticians, as she reflects on her experiences and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Survey published as optometric services expand across England to offer wider care to patients