ABDO statement on retail reopening

In response to the prime minister’s statement on Monday 25 May regarding retail premises reopening on 15 June, ABDO head of policy, Debbie McGill, commented: “This is not relevant to optical practices as they are named as essential services within the definition of health and social care.”

She continued: “Optical practices continue to provide only essential/urgent/emergency eyecare at this stage. We will advise members of any updates as soon as the position changes.”

The ABDO policy team is in continuing discussions with governments for each nation, and members will be updated as soon as any developments are confirmed with regard to opening of practices for services beyond essential, urgent and emergency eyecare.