In the UK, more than 30 million people have already received a first dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Although there is currently a shortage in supply of doses in the UK, this figure is still an incredible achievement so far, considering that even six months ago a vaccine for COVID-19 seemed no more than a pipe dream. A huge number of health professionals have helped drive the programme – and optometrists are among their number.

It’s a move that began in summer 2020, when the Scottish Government invited optometrists to deliver the flu vaccine. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOpom, Clinical Adviser for the College, says: “This was the first time in the UK that optometrists had been brought into a vaccination programme. Scotland then led the way with training optometrists to join the COVID-19 vaccination workforce, and Wales followed suit. The aim in these two countries is to involve as many primary care practitioners as possible, who are being actively recruited and paid for this work. 

“England and Northern Ireland have taken a slightly different approach, and are using volunteers with a preference for registered healthcare practitioners, including optometrists. In all four nations, they’re doing an amazing job.”