Easing of lockdown in England - optometrists to continue to deliver essential and urgent eye care

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday evening, ABDO and the College of Optometrists confirm that the current clinical advice to deliver only essential/urgent/emergency eyecare remains in place, and optometrists should continue to utilise remote consultations to provide support to the public in the first instance. Routine sight tests remain suspended until further notice. We request that all practitioners continue to adhere to their relevant national government’s guidance on the provision of eyecare services.
 
The College of Optometrists is currently working with representatives from the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh governments, and NHS England to develop risk-stratified clinical guidance to support practitioners providing eye care during the recovery period. We are also working with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to establish guidance for managing patients in primary and secondary care during the recovery phase, and beyond.