Looking after your eye health during the coronavirus pandemic
While changes have been introduced as a result of the pandemic, it still vital to look after your eye health. Since the end of lockdown regular optician appointments are recommencing, including within day centres and residential centres and care homes subject to certain conditions being met.
If you are living with an eye condition and have an eye appointment you should still attend that appointment unless advised otherwise by your consultant or you have symptoms of coronavirus. For some patients consultations will take place remotely.
The Scottish Government has established Emergency Eyecare Treatment Centres in each health board are where patients required to be examined face-to-face. These premises have been provided with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to keep patients and practitioners safe.
If you have any questions about attending your hospital eye clinic you can contact your local Eye Clinic Liaison Officer or Patient Support Worker.
You should always make your optician or optometrist aware if you or someone in your household is displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, for their safety and others they are providing treatment for. You can find out more about the symptoms of coronavirus at NHS Inform.
Advice for health and care staff on accessible communications for people with visual impairment
Sight Scotland is pleased to have worked with a range of disability organisations to draft guidance for health and social care staff on communication for people with sensory loss during the coronavirus pandemic.
It is vital that staff can be supported to communicate effectively with people with visual impairment so they can have the guidance and information they require for their healthcare needs.
You can read the document here: Communication for people with sensory loss during the COVID-19 pandemic