Infectious diseases

Latest news

The guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is to ensure clinicians are aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

Supplementary guidance

This guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is for preparedness at this time, but clinicians must be aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

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

The guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is to ensure clinicians are aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

This guidance on mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is for preparedness at this time, but clinicians must be aware of signs, symptoms and how to manage possible cases.

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

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

Due to the increasing case prevalence of seasonal flu, COVID-19 and respiratory illness, it is vital that practices maintain high standards of infection protection and controls, and stay vigilant to local public health advice.

Due to the increasing case prevalence of COVID-19, some local public health authorities are now asking practices to review their mask-wearing guidance.

For the very last issue of Optometry in Practice, Professor Jonathan Jackson MCOptom reflects on the past two decades of the journal and its contribution to our learning.

This paper describes how viruses infect, reproduce and damage cells. Knowing this process is critical for understanding how to treat ocular viral infections.

Online eyewear sales surged during Covid-19. With many patients still opting to buy online, says Helen Bird, how can optometrists reassert their value and help to drive dispensing back in store?

Dr Simon Frackiewicz MCOptom covers some practical advice for optometrists to help regain confidence in binocular vision, which may have been affected by the altered ways of working during the pandemic.

It is rare for respiratory viruses to cause eye infections, writes Kim Thomas, but they may use the eye as a portal of entry. And what is the mechanism behind their travel to the respiratory system?

There will be some changes to the guidance on the wearing of face masks for clinicians in Scotland.

There have been some changes to the guidance on managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test result.

The Department of Health and Social Care has recently issued updated guidance on mask wearing in care homes in England.

Clinical Files: What steps should I take to ensure my practice remains open to provide eye care safely and protect my staff, while we are in the green phase?

The Scottish government recommends the continuation of universal masking in optometry practices.

The optical sector has confirmed that frontline healthcare workers throughout the UK will be offered the COVID-19 booster vaccination this autumn. This includes optical staff working in primary eye care settings.

Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 to pause from 31 August 2022.

The College’s Clinical Editor on renewed excitement and optimism in the profession.

Becky McCall asks how shifts in working practices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic might change the ophthalmic services workforce.

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, regional NHS bodies in England are asking practices to review their mask-wearing guidance.

As our Editor in Chief steps into a new role, we look at how hospital clinics and practices coped with the pressures of the pandemic, and how we can provide services tailored to patients' needs.

This article reviews the utility of telemedicine in community practice.