COVID-19: National news and information
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.
England
- Joint statement on NHS SOP and self-isolation in England.
- Moving into Tier 4. We explain how additional restrictions will affect optometrists working in Tier 4 areas.
- Watch our video on delivering eye care during the new national restrictions in England.
- Government suspends patient signatures on general ophthalmic services forms until 31 March 2021
- Updates and guidance for optical settings
- Guidance and standard operating procedure: Primary care optical settings in the context of COVID-19
- Minimising nosocomial infections in the NHS
- Read about the COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in England
Northern Ireland
- Additional restrictions in Northern Ireland announced - The Northern Ireland Executive has announced a planned six-week period of restrictions, beginning on 26 December 2020.
- Health and Social Care Board: Move to Phase 1 of Ophthalmic Services Re-building Pan
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for those in the optometry profession
Scotland
- Guidance for resuming General Ophthalmic Services, once we are in the recovery phase
- Information and resources regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for all community optometry practices and practice staff in Scotland
Wales
- Alert level 0 set to be announced in Wales.
- COVID 19: National Restrictions December 2020 (PDF, 537KB)
- Alert level 4 announced in Wales - Wales will enter COVID alert level 4 (stay at home lockdown) from 28 December 2020.
- Optometry recovery guidance (amber phase): COVID-19
- Latest information on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Briefing: Primary care providers and the coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF, 0.6MB)
- Further guidance on the provision of urgent and essential eye care and financial support (30 March)
- COVID-19: Alert level 0 set to be announced in Wales (20 July 2021)
You can refer patients or colleagues to the NHS 111 online decision tool.