12 June 2020

COVID-19: The College advises that practices in England can move to the amber phase from 15 June

The Westminster government has announced the easing of lockdown measures, including the opening of non-essential shops, from 15 June.

In light of this, we believe that from Monday 15 June, optometry practices in England can move into the amber phase. This is described in the first column of our amber phase guidance table
 
Patient care can be provided on a needs- and symptoms-led basis, while still prioritising essential and urgent cases. 
 
However, all practices should bear in mind that we are still in a period of sustained COVID-19 transmission. All optometrists will need to continue to follow College guidance on social distancing, adapting practice, observing hygiene control measures and wearing PPE to ensure practices are safe and the public can have the trust and confidence they need in order to be comfortable to access eye care.
 
Please refer to our updated COVID-19 FAQs for more information on transitioning into the amber phase.

This article was correct at time of publication. 

Related further reading

As society continues to open up, the Optometry in Practice editorial board thought it opportune to reflect on the experiences of the pandemic to date and assess the impact on both eyecare professionals and our patients.

It is rare for respiratory viruses to cause eye infections, writes Kim Thomas, but they may use the eye as a portal of entry. And what is the mechanism behind their travel to the respiratory system?

How do clinicians choose between generic and branded drugs, balancing the need for patient safety against cost? Kathy Oxtoby takes a look.