News archive for 2020
First UK doctor dies due to Covid-19
An ear, nose and throat consultant has become the first UK doctor confirmed to have died of coronavirus.
AOP fee reduction for members amidst coronavirus crisis
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has announced a 20% reduction in membership fees for UK practising members, which is the equivalent of two monthly direct debit payments.
Haag-Streit offers free downloadable breath shield template
Haag-Streit has offered users a free downloadable breath shield template for its slit lamps.
Optical practices in England need "financial lifeline"
NHS England’s failure to act is forcing hundreds of optical practices to close, with a direct and dangerous impact on the eye healthcare of patients in England during the COVID-19 crisis, the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has warned.
BVI to donate PPE to healthcare workers
Ophthalmic device manufacturer BVI has redirected its efforts and supply toward the COVID-19 response.
Johnson & Johnson announces lead vaccine candidate for COVID-19
Johnson & Johnson has announced the selection of a lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate and the rapid scaling of its manufacturing capacity with the goal of providing global supply of more than one billion doses.
Kay Pictures offers six month’s free use of its iSight Pro app
The Kay iSight Test Pro visual acuity test is now available with a free six month introductory subscription for Apple devices only.
Eye News - Covid-19: Useful resources
This list will be updated as new sources of information emerge – let us know if there’s any resources we should be listing here by emailing diana@pinpoint-scotland.com
Optical practices to continue to provide urgent and essential care
The UK Government has now published further guidance clarifying that opticians are exempt from the general requirement for retail businesses and premises to close. Optical practices may therefore continue to provide urgent and essential eye care to the extent that they can, including remote care, while managing COVID-19 risk to keep patients, staff and the public as safe as possible.
Optical practices to stop providing routine sight tests
The following is a joint statement from the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC), Optometry Scotland, Optometry Wales and Optometry Northern Ireland.
Viral conjunctivitis and COVID-19
A joint statement was released by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists on 19 March.
RCOphth asks ophthalmologists to ‘show leadership’
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has issued advice and guidance for ophthalmologists regarding COVID-19.
