Opticians have started to welcome back patients for face-to-face consultations today. 

Patients across Glasgow will now be able to access emergency and essential eye care. 

However, practices need to be able to ensure the spread of Covid-19 is limited and that the safety of patients and staff is maintained.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has distributed PPE supplies to all practices. 

Coming as part of phase two of the Scottish Government's lockdown route map, services provided will still be limited at this stage. 

The provision of routine eyecare remains suspended. 

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Essential eyecare is defined as appointments for patients who would not normally be considered emergencies but where a delay in examination may be detrimental to a patient’s sight of wellbeing.

Eddie McVey, optometric advisor at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:“We are pleased to announce the move into the next phase of recovery as services gradually reopen in line with national guidance and we will continue to provide support and advice to all optometrist practices in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde community to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the provision of normal services.

“Following the reinstatement of emergency and essential face-to-face consultations on Monday, the plan is to gradually move back to the provision of full services as outlined in the Government’s roadmap for health services.”

 Patients are still advised to contact optometrists by phone at the first instance and both telephone and video assessments will continue for all practices to minimise contact.