Optical practices in the UK should move to the green phase from May 10, according to the latest guidance published by the College of Optometrists.
The College confirmed that each nation’s health system supported the move and that Covid-19 amber phase guidance should no longer apply.
Green phase guidance ended Covid-19 specific decontamination protocols, physical distancing and modified eye examinations, although the College advised the continuation of a needs-led approach.
Measures that still applied included: wearing face masks, regular lateral flow testing, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control procedures, as well as enabling patients with symptoms of respiratory infection to postpone unless their eye care was urgent or an emergency.
ABDO advised that dispensing opticians should follow its advice and guidelines along with the relevant nation’s infection prevention and control guidance for healthcare settings.
Debbie McGill, ABDO’s head of policy and public affairs, said the association supported the move to green phase in line with the lifting of restrictions throughout the UK.
‘As ABDO members are aware, we have been working with the College of Optometrists and UK wide public health bodies to provide support to the profession on the safe delivery of eye health care throughout the pandemic and we will continue to do this and monitor the worldwide situation.
‘As we move to green phase whilst still living with Covid, it is important to note that the new normal will include the continued use of PPE and IPC processes as specified in the College’s guidance,’ McGill said.
She added that ABDO would continue to work with representative bodies in the UK on the supply of PPE and LFDs, and would update its website to reflect this.