Infectious diseases

Latest news

The College has provided key information to help you identify cases and guidance on managing circumstances that are relevant to optometry practices.

Supplementary guidance

The College has provided information to help you identify of cases and guidance on managing circumstances that are relevant to optometry practices.

Guidance for Professional Practice

Infection control is concerned with two main areas. Firstly, transmission from person to person, and secondly, transmission via a contaminated object.

COVID-19 archives

Advice and guidance for optical professionals on COVID-19.

Read on for the answers to your COVID-19 questions, covering a range of topics from driving and HES referrals to PPE and tonometry.

We’ve been working with governments and eye health organisations across the UK to ensure that you have the all the latest news, information and regulations relating to optometry and COVID-19 in your nation.

Since our first update on 20 March 2020, right at the start of lockdown, we’ve been providing timely, relevant news, information and guidance that you can trust.

More on infectious diseases

An update from ABDO and the College of Optometrists following the Governments' announcement on the easing of lockdown.

Join Donya Gharanei MCOptom, Optometrist at Specsavers Opticians in Acocks Green, as she discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The third part of Dr Deacon Harle's experiences of providing urgent and essential care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Rosie Gavzey MCOptom as she takes you through her experience of volunteering at London’s NHS Nightingale Hospital.

We outline COVID-19 testing information for optometrists in all four UK nations.

Our advice on eye protection when working in the home or garden.

Join David Cummins MCOptom, Optometrist and Partner at PLM Optometrists in Scotland, as he takes you through a series of real-life cases, managed at his practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Hassnain Safdar MCOptom, a Locum based in the East Midlands, as he navigates through his new 'normal' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Gemma Hill MCOptom, Optometrist and Owner of Forde Opticians, as she takes you through her life as a ‘one-man band’ in her independent practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our response to the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's guidance on reopening and redeveloping services after COVID-19

Léa Surugue looks at how to carry out effective virtual consultations in a time of social distancing and discusses the clinical and legal pitfalls.

The second part of Dr Deacon Harle's experiences of providing urgent and essential care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Nicola and Oliver Gatehouse, owners of Ball & Gatehouse Opticians, as they update you on the challenges they have faced in their practice since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Deacon Harle FCOptom, Optometrist and Director at Osborne Harle in Kent, records his experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Faye McDearmid MCOptom, optometrist at Campbell & McDearmid in Redcar, as she updates us on her week at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our growing range of resources will ensure that you can provide the best possible patient care during these uncertain times. 

Five ways students can get the most out of studying from home in uncertain times

This outlines a COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service delivered from a network of optical practices, acting as urgent eye care hubs, to support the immediate and recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

Clinical files: Can I prescribe a prescription-only medicine based on my findings and working diagnosis from a remote consultation?

The UK‘s public health bodies and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges have published new guidance about personal protective equipment (PPE).

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the provision of eye care in primary and secondary care.

The College and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists has sent the following letter to Jo Churchill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care.