2 April 2020

COVID-19: College respond to NHS guidance for optical practices in England

We are pleased to see that NHS England, along with the other nations, recognises the important role that optical practices play in providing services to patients. Following the letter we sent to the Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care Jo Churchill MP on 1 April 2020, NHS England confirmed some financial support for contractors in England. We are now working with the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) to better understand the details of these measures and their implications for practices and our members, and will release a full statement on this as soon as possible.

This article was correct at time of publication. 

Related further reading

A response from the College regarding concerns about the integrity of optometrists referring cataract patients to independent sector providers.

Optometrists talk to patients about eye health every day, and have an important role to play in health promotion and public health.

Reviewing the evidence for the role of supplements in eye health, particularly cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).