The College of Optometrists has today recommended that every optometrist and practice owner stop providing routine sight tests and routine eye examinations, and offer only essential services.
In a statement on its website, the College clarified that “essential services would include sight tests based on a clinical need, and urgent eye care pathways” – whilst noting that some practices were already doing this on a voluntary basis.
The College also notes that the Welsh and Scottish governments had already issued advice on essential primary eye services and stopping routine sight tests.
“We are pressing NHS England and the HSCNI to do the same, and to provide financial support to enable practices to continue to be viable eye care centres,” the professional body stated.
Read the statement in full here.