College provides lockdown update

The College of Optometrists has stated that optometrists should continue to follow Amber Phase guidance following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new national lockdown measures on January 4.

Amber Phase guidance, issued by the College in June 2020, recommended that emergency and essential cases be prioritised but allowed optometrists to provide care outside of these specifications. During the first national lockdown in March, Red Phase guidance was recommended.

The College’s statement explained that another update would be provided on Wednesday 6. However, at the time of writing, its guidance remained that practitioners should follow Amber Phase recommendations.