It seems impossible to think that just a couple of weeks ago we were all operating pretty much as normal. The threat of coronavirus loomed large on the horizon but the speed at which it crept up on us took society by surprise.
As eye care practitioners, Covid-19 has turned our world upside down – with some practices temporarily shutting and others only offering emergency appointments. It is a testing time and all of us are keeping our fingers crossed this awful disease disappears as quickly as it descended.
There have been articles shared across social media questioning the safety of contact lenses in all this. It is worth repeating the BCLA stance on this.
‘There is currently no evidence to suggest any correlation between the usage of contact lenses and the spread of Covid-19 or a coronavirus infection related to contact lens use.’
That is a statement we should be sharing with our contact lens patients at every opportunity, whether through email, a text message or via social media. Now is not a time for scaremongering, it is a time for reassurance.
It is a good time to remind patients of the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, handwashing (and drying) and avoiding lens wear if you are feeling unwell, in particular with cold or flu-like symptoms.
As a profession, we have risen to the challenges posed by coronavirus – with countless examples of ECPs taking actions to protect and care for themselves and their patients before lockdown, and since. I applaud you all.
The coming months will throw up new challenges but by sticking to the facts we can emerge from this stronger, more resilient and confident our patients know the importance of maintaining contact lens wear for years to come.
Stay safe everyone.
Jonathon Bench, president, BCLA
