Infectious diseases

Latest news

Rise in reports of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in England

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

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Supplementary guidance

Information and guidance on pertussis (whooping cough)

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

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Guidance for Professional Practice

Infection control

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

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COVID-19 archives

COVID-19 guidance

Advice and guidance for optical professionals on COVID-19.

COVID-19 FAQs

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

COVID-19: National news and information

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.

COVID-19: Member updates archive

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

Remote consultations during COVID-19 pandemic

These temporary guidelines have been written to help optometrists who are conducting remote telephone/video consultations with patients.

Infectious diseases Public health

Position on use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Our guidance is aimed to help keep optometrists and their patients safe.

Infectious diseases Policy Public health

Protecting patients and staff in Primary Care

Our latest position statement on seeing patients in primary care during COVID-19.

Infectious diseases OCT Public health

Safety of contact lens use in contracting COVID-19

Contact lenses Infectious diseases Public health

COVID-19 – can chloroquine help tackle the pandemic?

The antimalarial drug may be a glimmer of hope as coronavirus takes hold across the world, if the threat of retinopathy can be managed.

Infectious diseases Public health

Telephone-based consultancy for replacement glasses and contact lenses – guidance and templates

COVID-19: Electronic review forms now available

Contact lenses Dispensing Infectious diseases

Viral conjunctivitis and COVID-19

A joint statement from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists

Infectious diseases Policy Public health

COVID-19: Joint statement from the Optometry Schools Council (OSC) and College of Optometrists

Infectious diseases Policy Public health

January 2020: Disclosure of clinical information

Clinical files: The local glaucoma service called the practice and requested a patient’s historic intraocular pressure results. Can I give these out over the phone?

Infectious diseases

The best of a bad year

A message from Colin Davidson, College President.

Infectious diseases

The vision for the new normal

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney on harnessing the momentum generated in response to the pandemic.

Infectious diseases Public health