Bill Harvey: Afterglid

Immediately prior to the first person in the UK being vaccinated against Covid-19, we all received a letter containing a joint statement from our various professional bodies and organisations. The aim, well-meant, was to underline their appreciation of the way eye care professionals have adapted to recent challenges and supported the response to the pandemic. Nice as this was, my impish side did want to shout out: ‘Of course we have!’

Rather than operating outside of their comfort zones, as is often said at the moment, I believe people have in most cases embraced the challenges and welcomed the opportunity to broaden their roles. From Independent Prescribing treatment at point of contact, implementing the Covid-19 Urgent Eye Care Service, adapting to remote consultation, improving triaging skills, adapting clinical management protocol, implementing safe practice, evolving teaching, training and examinations, through to taking on ‘track and trace’ casework, volunteering for vaccine trials, joining testing services and, soon, providing vaccine injections; things have changed and, I hope, this has not gone unnoticed by both the public and those charged in future health investment.