Moneo writes: Changing outlooks for good

This is probably one of the hardest columns I have had to write in all the years I have been doing this. These are unprecedented times that we all find ourselves in and I would like to begin this month by paying tribute to all who work in the eye care sector. I include in this all our colleagues working in the secondary sector, our ophthalmologist colleagues, our hospital optometrist colleagues and out orthoptics colleagues, many of whom may find themselves providing care in very different ways to which they are used to in the weeks to come.

It has never really been understood just how closely people in our sector work with patients and clients. Ours is an ‘intimate’ sector with close association to people for quite long periods of time and as such presents unique opportunities for cross infection. In a past column I have alluded to the responsibilities of optometrists not going to work if they are unwell given the risk factors of passing illness on to elderly or vulnerable patients. Never in all my wildest dreams did I foresee such an event as we are all now witnessing and the two-way risks posed by coronavirus. My wish is that you all stay safe and practise cautionary preventative systems while, as I know you will, continuing to deliver the best possible care to all your patients.