College responds to worried practitioner survey

The College of Optometrists has responded to findings from a survey of UK practitioners that showed nearly nine in ten felt present amber phase guidance was not appropriate for the current stage of the pandemic.

The College said it acknowledged the results of the survey but reiterated that it had answered member questions and concerns in recent weeks, through a webinar on January 14 and a follow-up podcast where additional member queries were addressed. The body added it had written to employers in the sector, and their representative bodies, to highlight the guidance, to make clear how it should be applied, and to remind them of their duty of care.