COVID-19 Resources
The College of Optometrists Guidance: here
AOP latest coronavirus advice: here
GOC Covid-19 page: here
Updated PHE Guidance on NHS staff self-isolation following COVID19 contact – August 16th 2021 here
NHSE SOP for Primary Care Optical Settings – WITHDRAWN 19/7/21, replaced by
NHSE Arrangements for Primary Care from 19th July 2021 here
OFNC Update: Lockdown funding for optical practices in England, 5th March 2021 is available here
OFNC Update: Covid-19 funding for optical practices in England, 20th July is available here
OFNC statement: NHS England letter on resuming GOS work, 17th June is available here
OFNC statement on resumption of General Ophthalmic Services in England, 5th June is available here
OFNC statement on meeting essential eye care needs during the pandemic (England), 27th May is available here
OFNC statement and guidance on changes to primary eye care in England, 18th April is available here
OFNC guidance on changes to primary eye care in England, 2nd April can be downloaded from the right of this page.
OFNC statement, 1st April, concerning new NHSE Guidance for optical practices, is available as a download from the right of this page.
The full NHSE Guidance, 1st April, is also available for download.
Earlier OFNC advice, 23rd March, is available for download.
Government Guidance about the support available to employers, the self-employed and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak from the gov.uk website: here
Government advice to all citizens : here
Social distancing is explained here : here
It has been announced that Schools will provide childcare (not education) for children of health & social care workers so they can continue to work. The guidance the schools are following is here
Emergency Eyecare WhatsApp Group
A WhatsApp group has been set up for the support of colleagues who are actively carrying out phone/video call triage and emergency/essential care of our patients during the Covid-19 crisis. It is open to optometrists/contact lens opticians/dispensing opticians/practice managers etc. This will allow for quick opinions/advice from colleagues and effective signposting for any colleagues that may not be in a position to carry out the required care for a patient their specific situation requires.
If you wish to join, please e-mail ankur.trivedi@primaryeyecare.co.uk with the mobile number you use for WhatsApp and you will be added.
Mental Health Support
We are living and working through unprecedented times and some of us may be struggling with some of the wider issues that arise from the situation.
Links for helplines and tools to help look after your mental health.
ABDO Counselling Helpline – need log-in as ABDO member
AOP Peer Support Line – AOP membership not required to access
Mind – Coronavirus and your Wellbeing
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges