OFNC advises providing urgent eye care only

Optical practices and practitioners in England should only be providing essential and urgent eye care, according to the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC).

In its latest update on coronavirus (Covid-19), the group of optical bodies said that providers should no longer be offering or providing routine sight tests even as a matter of clinical judgement, as previously advised.

It added in order to keep staff safe that this does not mean all practices should remain open if this is not possible and those that can may well operate on a remote consultation or advice only basis.

Patient safety was noted in the guidance as well as ensuring that no unnecessary eye health burdens fall on other parts of the NHS while it is coping with increased pressure.