The vision for the new normal

29 January 2021
Winter 2021

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney on harnessing the momentum generated in response to the pandemic.

A remark, often attributed to Lenin, runs: “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” This has, with good reason, been much quoted in the last year, not least in relation to healthcare. 2020 was a year in which we witnessed rapid changes to the way eye care was delivered: virtual consultations, mass take-up of a needs-led approach to examinations and, of course, a completely new regime of infection prevention controls.

COVID-19 caused many an incredibly hard year, both professionally and personally. Clinicians and practice teams have worked tirelessly to keep practices safe and continue to deliver eye care throughout each phase of the pandemic, and this is a credit to our profession.

As our knowledge on safe practice grew, there were times where we needed daily updates to the guidance, and had weekly shifts in governments’ health policies. Now as we start 2021, we remain in the midst of a pandemic.

/COO/media/Media/Acuity/Winter 2021/webp24-25HIRES-shutterstock1298142151-Edit_1.jpg

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

The celebrations are a chance to pay tribute to NHS staff.

The College issues eye health advice as more families consider hosting their own fireworks display.

We believe that vaccine uptake will be maximised when staff are supported to make their own decisions, having been provided with clear, evidence-based information on the benefit and value of vaccinations.