Following the government’s announcement on 31 October 2020, new national restrictions will come into effect in England on Thursday 5 November.
In a statement issued today, the General Optical Council (GOC) encouraged registrants to read initial guidance from the government on the national restrictions for England.
The GOC stated that it was its “understanding that optical practices will be able to remain open in England as they would fall under the exemption of delivering NHS/medical services.
“A full list of non-essential businesses that must close, and those that have exemptions, will be published shortly by the government and a debate on these restrictions will happen on Wednesday 4 November.
“The College of Optometrists is currently recommending that all practices remain open to provide services and continue to follow their amber guidance during this period.
“GOC Covid-19 statements still remain in effect to support delivery of care and further advice can also be sought from the professional associations.”
The GOC said it would continue to monitor the guidance from government and the impact on services in conjunction with the optical sector, and release new statements and update its guidance as it receives new information.
Up-to-date information for each nation can be found on the ABDO website here.