OT has distilled the latest guidelines on personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements from NHS England into a two-minute video.
The video outlines the situations where PPE is required, what items are needed and the process for putting on and removing PPE.
Using PPE in reception is also covered as well as alternatives to aerosol-generating procedures.
Public Health England has updated its guidance to clarify the PPE required for different clinical scenarios, publishing a table of primary care guidance which includes optometry.
The guidance covers the use of PPE for all patient encounters, “at a time when there is sustained community transmission of COVID-19, as is currently occurring in the UK, and the likelihood of any patient having coronavirus infection is raised.”
The AOP has highlighted that “there is a shortage of PPE on a national level” and the association, along with other optical bodies, is raising the issue of PPE with the NHS and Government.
Optometrist and AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson commented: “The latest guidance makes it clear what PPE is required, but unfortunately doesn’t solve the problem of how optometrists gain access to appropriate PPE.”
He added: “The AOP along with other sector colleagues have raised this issue with NHS England and are hopeful that a solution will soon be in place.”
OT endeavours to keep the most up-to-date news on our website and this information was correct when published. However, the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Please check OT’s rolling optics-specific coverage for the latest news and guidance on COVID-19.