Easement of COVID-19 Restrictions - Delivering Safe Eye Care

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and The College of Optometrists advises that practices should continue to operate in the amber phase and maintain high infection control standards this summer.

Today marks the lifting of further lockdown restrictions across many parts of the UK. The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and The College of Optometrists advise the profession in all nations that you should continue to follow the  College’s Amber guidance, your national eye care standard operating procedures and the GOC supporting statements for the amber phase. We continue to work with public health officials and keep the profession updated on any changes.

Maintaining high standards of infection controls, including handwashing and wearing face masks is vital to protect practice teams and remain open to provide eyecare as people begin to move about more freely.

We anticipate the Amber phase guidance will continue for some period and beyond 2021 as we do not know what the Winter will bring. We will continue to monitor the situation, as the  transition from the Amber to Green phase guidance will be guided by each respective nation’s government decisions and subject to a variety of factors, including a sustained reduction in COVID-19 transmission risk and the removal of social distancing and IPC requirements.