Coronavirus updates

Read our latest advice and guidance on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

General guidance

Face covering

Guidance to ensure patients and visitors wear face coverings at all times, unless clinically impossible to do so

Providing eye healthcare in the new lockdown

Download the AOP key worker letter for optical staff to produce as evidence they are key workers

Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare staff, including letters for AOP members and staff to produce as evidence they are eligible. Updated 3 February 2021 to include new information on when invited to book your vaccination via a pharmacy

COVID-19 webinars

During the COVID-19 crisis we will be running regular webinars to keep members up to date on issues, and to answer your key questions

Updated COVID-19 guidance as the UK returns to Level 4

Updated advice for members in England as the country returns to Level 4. Updated 18 November 2020

Remote consultations

Guidance on providing remote care for patients when a face-to-face appointment is not possible

Guidance on lateral flow testing devices in optometric practice

The rollout of lateral COVID-19 tests. Updated 10 March 2021

Returning to work guidance

Returning to work post COVID-19 FAQs

Frequently asked questions about eyecare in the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated 16 December 2020

Practice resources for communicating with patients during the coronavirus pandemic

Leaflets, posters and social media images

Back to work guidance for members

Guidance for employed and locum members, and practice owners and employers

Back to work - employment guidance

AOP guidance for members returning to work following the coronavirus pandemic. Updated 29 September 2020

Post COVID-19 returning to practice considerations

AOP advice to members returning to work after the coronavirus pandemic

Meeting the eye health needs of shielding, isolating and domiciliary patients during COVID-19

Guidance from the OC's Domiciliary Eyecare Committee (DEC)

COVID19: Back to work risk assessment

This COVID-19 example risk assessment should be carried out with your staff before you return to routine practice. Updated 10 July 2020

Employment guidance

Guidance for members on extended CJRS furlough scheme

Guidance on the extended furlough scheme. Updated 18 March

Common locum questions relating to coronavirus

This FAQ aims to deal with some of the concerns that will be troubling our locum members in particular although some will be relevant to all members. Updated 16 October 2020