Our response to the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's guidance on eye care services after COVID-19

This week, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists published interim guidance on reopening and redeveloping ophthalmology services after the COVID-19 lockdown period. The guidance aims to support hospital eye services as they plan for the resumption of routine services and managing the backlog of patients. 

We welcome the recognition that this is an opportunity to redevelop ophthalmology services and build on the new ways of working with primary eye care set up during lockdown. 

We also welcome recommendations to work collaboratively with primary care optometrists to plan, manage and provide care effectively. Better connections between primary and secondary care, and the recognition of the important role of optometrists in eye care, will benefit all patients.

We are currently working with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to develop UK-wide clinical management principles and pathways for the recovery period, and will keep members up to date with our work over the coming weeks.