NHS England confirms opticians will remain open

Confirmation that optical practices in England will remain open for routine sight care during the second lockdown has been made by the Association of Optometrists and NHS England.

Practices can continue providing services, including routine sight tests, as long as public health advice was followed, plus correct personal protective equipment and infection control procedures were in place.

The AOP highlighted that patients may need to wait longer for an appointment if practices are prioritising patients based on the greatest need to ensure eye health problems are detected and dealt with appropriately.

Peter Hampson, clinical director at the AOP, said: ‘It is very important that people look after their eyes to avoid unnecessary sight loss. Optometrists are playing a vital role at a time when hospitals are facing backlogs.’