Face covering
Guidance to ensure patients and visitors wear face coverings at all times, unless clinically impossible to do so
Coronavirus updates
Read our latest advice and guidance on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
General guidance
Remote consultations
Guidance on providing remote care for patients when a face-to-face appointment is not possible
COVID-19 vaccine
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
Guidance on lateral flow testing devices in optometric practice
The rollout of lateral COVID-19 tests. Updated 10 March 2021
Practice resources for communicating with patients during the coronavirus pandemic
Leaflets, posters and social media images
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
Hygiene and PPE
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to provide a sight test
Advice to members about providing sight tests during the coronavirus outbreak, and our editable remote consultation form
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to refer a patient to an IP optometrist
Downloadable IP referral form
Coronavirus: How to disinfect optical equipment and premises
Guidance on cleaning surfaces and equipment following patient contact
UV-C disinfection
Commonly asked questions and answers about UV-C disinfection
AOP Infection control and prevention certificate 2021
In association with Optometry Today (OT) and supported by Johnson & Johnson Vision
PPE guide
The PPE you need when conducting urgent eye care, guidance on facemasks, and the order in which to put on and take off PPE
Wholesale suppliers of PPE
Wholesale suppliers of PPE to other professions
Latest coronavirus news See all View all Latest coronavirus news
- Updated guidance for self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact in England
- Period of self-isolation following COVID-19 exposure in England
- 100% Optical 2022 changes dates in response to the rise in Omicron cases
- AOP campaign tackles illegal supply online
- Optometrists warning over illegal and unsafe contact lenses as online buying soars
Also in this section
- Considerations for practices in England around staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Coronavirus: responding to the UK Government announcement on support for the self-employed
- COVID 19: Meeting the eye health needs of vulnerable individuals during the next stages of the pandemic
- OFNC guidance on changes to primary care optometry practice in England
- OFNC guidance on COVID-19 funding for optical practices in England
- OFNC letter to Ministers on financial support for GOS contractors in England
- Returning to work post COVID-19 FAQs
- Updated COVID-19 guidance as the UK returns to Level 4