70% of optometry professionals permanently adopted COVID-19 measures

A new survey of industry professionals has illustrated the continued impact of the pandemic on the optical industry and ways of practising, with 70% of respondents sharing that they have permanently implemented measures first adopted during COVID-19.

Held by Media 10, the organisers of 100% Optical, the survey of over 700 industry professionals looked into the changes, innovations, and challenges seen in practices over the last 12 months.

Survey participants identified online sales, the NHS going paperless and low NHS fees, as well as extra paperwork created by the COVID-19 pandemic as the biggest challenges seen over the past year.

Of those surveyed, 33% felt their patients and customers were “still nervous” about face-to-face appointments.

Alongside the challenges, however, the industry has seen advances and new approaches, with survey respondents pinpointing the use of optical coherence tomography and the introduction of dispensing appointments as a result of the pandemic as “key innovations” that have arisen from the past year.

Key changes to working practices in this time have been the adoption of personal protective equipment, additional sanitisation, and introducing a ‘locked door’ policy.

Two-thirds (65%) of respondents felt positive about the post-pandemic recovery of the High Street.

Nathan Garnett, show director for 100% Optical, said of the findings: “Our survey reinforces the massive impact of COVID-19 on the optical industry, just as its affected so many sectors. However, it’s heartening to see how it’s also spawned a great deal of innovation, and how the majority of respondents are optimistic about the future.”

100% Optical will be held at ExCeL London from 23 to 25 April 2022. As education partner for the event, the AOP will deliver all CPD content at the show with a schedule of accredited sessions.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to 100% Optical in the spring, when the impact of the pandemic will be one of the many topics being discussed across the three days of workshops and seminars,” Garnett continued.

More information on the event can be found on the 100% Optical website.