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AOP shares statement on practising in the new lockdown
With new national lockdowns announced, the AOP has shared its understanding that practices can remain open, prioritising emergency and essential care, but has emphasised the need to maintain “stringent measures”
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Pexels/Karolina Grabowska
05 January 2021
Following the introduction of new national lockdowns in England and Scotland, and with restrictions already in place in Wales and Northern Ireland, the AOP has written to members to address the implications for optical practices and to provide an update on vaccine access.
On 4 January, governments in both Scotland and England announced plans for new national lockdowns, in efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The lockdowns require the public to stay at home except in a limited range of cases, including for medical reasons.
In an update to members, the AOP outlined its understanding that practices can remain open to provide eye care to patients, prioritising emergency and essential care in line with guidance from the NHS, Governments and the College of Optometrists. This requires the use of infection prevention and control measures, including appropriate personal protective equipment.
The AOP acknowledged: “Many AOP members are understandably concerned about the risks of continuing to provide face to face eye healthcare in the current circumstances.”
While under the current guidance, practices can offer routine care where capacity allows, the AOP emphasised that if a practice continues to offer routine care, “it must maintain stringent measures to manage the risks of COVID-19 infection.”
Measures should include utilising longer appointment times than prior to the pandemic, the AOP said, referring to member guidance suggesting appointment times of 30–40 minutes are “safe and achievable while complying with strict infection control requirements.”
The statement continued: “We are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with the College, NHS England and the UK optometry bodies. We will update members immediately if our view of the risks involved in providing care during the current lockdown changes.”
The AOP advised members that concerns regarding a practice’s approach to COVID-19 risks should be raised with the practice, with the AOP’s employment and clinical teams available to support members in how to do this.
The association indicated its understanding that the new ‘top-up’ business grants announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 5 January will only be available for businesses that have closed because of the pandemic, and so will not be available to practices remaining open.
“Optical practice staff are therefore included in the second priority group for access to vaccination, frontline health and social care workers,” the AOP shared.
It has not been confirmed when this group will be offered the vaccine. In his address on 4 January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that “if things go well” it is anticipated that those in the four top priority groups will have been offered the first vaccine dose by the middle of February.
The AOP confirmed it would provide further information on the timing and practicalities regarding the vaccination of optical staff once this becomes available.
On 4 January, governments in both Scotland and England announced plans for new national lockdowns, in efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The lockdowns require the public to stay at home except in a limited range of cases, including for medical reasons.
In an update to members, the AOP outlined its understanding that practices can remain open to provide eye care to patients, prioritising emergency and essential care in line with guidance from the NHS, Governments and the College of Optometrists. This requires the use of infection prevention and control measures, including appropriate personal protective equipment.
The AOP acknowledged: “Many AOP members are understandably concerned about the risks of continuing to provide face to face eye healthcare in the current circumstances.”
While under the current guidance, practices can offer routine care where capacity allows, the AOP emphasised that if a practice continues to offer routine care, “it must maintain stringent measures to manage the risks of COVID-19 infection.”
Measures should include utilising longer appointment times than prior to the pandemic, the AOP said, referring to member guidance suggesting appointment times of 30–40 minutes are “safe and achievable while complying with strict infection control requirements.”
The statement continued: “We are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with the College, NHS England and the UK optometry bodies. We will update members immediately if our view of the risks involved in providing care during the current lockdown changes.”
The AOP advised members that concerns regarding a practice’s approach to COVID-19 risks should be raised with the practice, with the AOP’s employment and clinical teams available to support members in how to do this.
Discussions ongoing for practice support
As part of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC), the AOP also confirmed that it is involved in ongoing discussions with NHS England regarding support for practices.The association indicated its understanding that the new ‘top-up’ business grants announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 5 January will only be available for businesses that have closed because of the pandemic, and so will not be available to practices remaining open.
Optometrists included in second priority group for vaccination access
The AOP also addressed access to COVID-19 vaccines for optometrists. The association highlighted UK Government guidance confirming the definition of ‘frontline healthcare staff’ as including optometrists and others in face-to-face contact with patients. This includes non-clinical staff in primary healthcare settings.“Optical practice staff are therefore included in the second priority group for access to vaccination, frontline health and social care workers,” the AOP shared.
It has not been confirmed when this group will be offered the vaccine. In his address on 4 January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that “if things go well” it is anticipated that those in the four top priority groups will have been offered the first vaccine dose by the middle of February.
The AOP confirmed it would provide further information on the timing and practicalities regarding the vaccination of optical staff once this becomes available.
Comments (4)
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Anonymous17 January 2021
A hundred years from now, historians will not be talking about covid-19 as an example of a deadly pandemic on par with the Spanish flu. They will be talking about it as an example of how easy it is to induce a state of collective mass hysteria. Given that this is the case, how long will the present hysteria continue?
I think most governments have dug themselves in to a hole in relation to covid. They’ve portrayed it as for more deadly and dangerous than it is. They know this. But to admit the error now is impossible. Partly, that is because lockdown has resulted in so much suffering that it would be suicidal to say that it was all for nothing. Partly it is because the mass media and general public are so convinced of the seriousness of the disease, that any government that argued the contrary would be labeled as irresponsible and deranged.
So, the only way out of the hole is with a magic bullet. And that magic bullet is the vaccine. It doesn’t matter whether the vaccine has any effect whatsoever on overall mortality, or whether it protects the old and infirm, who are at most risk of severe disease, or prevents spread of infection. The only thing that matters is getting out of the hole as quickly as possible, without admitting ever having done anything wrong.
Once enough people have been vaccinated, governments can state that the crisis has been ended. Heads of state can be lauded as heroes. And we can all go on about our lives.
Meanwhile to the locum who is missing their lunch break.......just take it
and remember that history has always shown that in the game of £pounds v peoples' lives ........the £s wins every time
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Anonymous09 January 2021
Hi guys
same here in Ireland. Public health are advising people not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. I am tired of hearing "my vison is fine and no problem with my current specs. I here because you sent me a reminder a few months ago but I'm only getting around to it now"
Unbelieveable!
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Anonymous09 January 2021
Some practices are working as normal with 85% routine eye examinations taking place, in 20-25 minute appointment times. Yet the practice owners still expect the room to be thoroughly cleaned after every patient. This is unrealistic and unacceptable. The clinics regularly run behind and I never have a lunch break as a result. Yet, as a locum I have no say as I won't get work otherwise. But my main concern is the fact that people are coming into the practice for a 'routine' eye test, which they could easily postpone until a safer time. A lot state the reason for their visit was that they 'had a reminder'. I find it unbelievable how peoples' mind work! The practices should be open to just priority cases only.
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Anonymous08 January 2021
Does a facility/registration exist for locum optometrists be included in the second priority group for vaccination?
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