Coronavirus guidance for optical practices published by NHS England

NHS England has published guidance on standard operating procedures for primary care optical settings in relation to coronavirus (Covid-19).

It highlights that the disease causes mild to moderate illness for most people but may result in pneumonia or severe acute respiratory infection, which could potentially lead to patients presenting in primary care settings.

The guidance notes that it is ‘essential’ that the primary care workforce works together to identify, isolate and contain coronavirus as part of a national response to the outbreak.

NHS England highlights that although patients are unlikely to present at optical practices with coronavirus, management of eye care should follow best practice and seek to reduce the risk of infection for staff and patients.