Optical associations have shared updates on the progress of the COVID-19 vaccination plan for patient-facing practice staff

GOS contractors are invited to share information of the viability of services to inform the OFNC’s work with NHS England

Optical practices in Scotland can continue offering a full range of services in the new lockdown, the government has confirmed

A legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes will be introduced as of midnight tonight

Supplies could be extended to wider settings depending on demand and optometrists can approach their Local Resilience Forums to be part of the allocation process

The new organisation will focus on controlling infectious disease, though some groups have warned the reform could be a “risky” move at this time

As negotiations for potential further funding continue, it has been agreed that previous levels of COVID-19 funding for GOS contractors in England will be extended until 31 July

The first network in Leeds for primary care professionals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds aims to draw members from across healthcare sectors

Key findings from the report highlight age as the largest factor, but also confirmed higher risks of mortality for those in BAME groups

ONS data shows 'ophthalmic opticians' are among those occupations at a higher potential exposure to the coronavirus, based on typical exposure to disease and physical proximity to others