In Focus: Addressing the unknown

The long-term impact of the pandemic on eye health is unknown and avoidable sight loss has emerged as the biggest concern for eye care professionals (ECPs) and their patients, according to the College of Optometrists (CoO) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth).

‘It will be some time before we can see how existing patients and people at risk of developing conditions have been affected,’ Sarah Cant, director of policy and strategy at the CoO, told Optician.

Cant explained that the main challenge the pandemic has created for ECPs has been providing eye care services safely and effectively while adapting to changes in the way it is delivered.