Behind the headlines

30 July 2021
Summer 2021

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Virtual A&E triage is ‘as safe as’ in-person service

Accident and emergency eye care patients can be triaged just as safely in video consultations as face to face, a new study claims.

Researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital compared the cases of 404 emergency patients who had video consultations with 451 who attended in person over two weeks in 2020. 

The two senior ophthalmologists found none of the patients suffered harm as a result of the way they were triaged. 

The authors of the study, published in EClinicalMedicine (Li et al, 2021), wrote that they had demonstrated “comparable patient safety” for the two approaches. 

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

From boosting children’s eye health awareness to celebrating our first OptPE affix and refreshing member learning - here’s how we shaped the profession in early 2025.

This Road Safety Week, The College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists are urging all drivers to ensure they have regular eye tests to check their vision still meets UK driving standards.

The College of Optometrists has published a new online course for members to enhance their clinical expertise in myopia management.