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

Nathan Garnett, show director of 100% Optical, speaks to OT  about the show’s new dates, the potential changes ahead, and celebrating the profession after a year of challenge

Data from LOCSU has shown a 24% increase in the number of clinical commissioning groups with urgent eye care services (MECS and CUES) since start of the pandemic

Optometrists are encouraged to sign up for the National Optical Conference, which is being held as a series of virtual sessions between Wednesday 25 November and Thursday 3 December

Practices will be able to deliver care through the next phase of Government restrictions, prioritised on the basis of clinical need and ensuring PPE and infection control processes are in place

As England prepares for four weeks of restrictive measures, the College of Optometrists has recommended practices remain open to provide prioritised routine care along with urgent and essential services

The European Council of Optometry and Optics found that, while there are still areas to grow, “significant progress has been achieved” in developing the scope of optometry in countries across Europe

All practices will be able to remain open to provide services as part of the amber recovery phase guidance, Optometry Wales shared

Event organisers have cancelled the 2021 show as a result of increasing uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions and infection rates

The eyewear show has been rescheduled for June, with event organisers hoping that summer will bring safer opportunities for travel, ensuring “peak” international attendance