Withdrawal Of UKHSA Infection Prevention And Control Measures

20 June 2022

The College of Optometrists has issued a statement, following the withdrawal of UKHSA infection prevention and control measures in England. They advise:

“As part of the College’s move to Green Phase, we have already advised that some COVID-19 IPC measure can be stopped. This latest UKHSA update recommends that the following COVID-19 IPC measure can also be stopped:

• Universal masking

This means asymptomatic non-clinical staff, patients and visitors are no longer required to wear a face covering when in the practice. In domiciliary settings, clinicians should continue to wear a face mask when visiting patients’ homes and care settings in all four nations.

Optometrists should continue to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask (FRSM) in situations set out in Guidance for Professional Practice (GfPP) section B39:

1. Performing procedures when in close proximity to the patient
2. You consider there is a risk of respiratory infection
3. There is a public health requirement to wear one, such as during a pandemic, unless the mask type specified by the relevant national or local public health guidance recommends an alternative specification and level of protection.

However, you may choose to continue implementing universal masking based on local COVID-19 case prevalence and/or if your practice-based risk assessment deems it a necessary intervention to protect against droplet and airborne transmission and reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. When patients have symptoms of respiratory infection and require face-to-face eye care, appropriate transmission-based precautions should be applied, which may include face coverings.

The following public health guidance continues to apply:

• Regular asymptomatic lateral flow device testing, as recommended by your nation’s health system
• Management of healthcare staff with a positive COVID-19 result or COVID-19 positive close contact, including return to work criteria.”

The full statement can be found HERE.

ABDO advise that the guidance for optometrists above also applies to dispensing opticians.

Further UKHSA guidance on “Covid-19 information and advice for health and care professionals” can be found HERE.