Coronavirus COVID-19 Update
17 March 2020
As you will know from the Prime Minister’s press conference yesterday, 16 March, the UK and devolved governments have significantly moved the Coronavirus management process.
As part of this process, the UK optical bodies (including the GOC and the College or Optometrists) are in regular weekly communication with NHS E-I, and daily contact each other, about all Coronavirus/COVID-19 related issues.
It is intended that NHSE-I will issue a weekly bulletin. This will be circulated to all LOCs from LOCSU when it is received.
It is intended that communications will be streamlined to address any issues raised by front-line optical practices and practitioners. These issues will in turn be discussed in the weekly bulletins from NHSE-I. There are similar meetings, briefings and communications taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The OFNC (Optical Fees Negotiation Committee) has put forward contractual proposals to keep the optical sector supported and treating patients during this and the next phases of the pandemic.
We will keep LOCs updated as soon as there is any news on any front.
The NHSE-I website is being kept up to date daily or as needed:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/