As we turn another calendar page, we realize that it has been a long time since we have been able to provide routine care to all our patients, who come into our practice for their eye care needs.  This week, the provincial government extended the state of emergency, and we continue to provide urgent and emergency care in person. But, we have successfully learned to take care of our patients through teleoptometry.

The College recognizes and understands the desire for our registrants wanting to return to practice. We all are looking for direction from the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), especially as we begin to witness some provinces loosen COVID-19 restrictions and allow routine optometric care.

Unfortunately, the College is not aware of a specific date when registrants will be returning to practice. In preparation for upcoming announcement, we are in the process of developing guidelines for you and your patients, when this does happen. These guidelines will be done in consultation with PHO and other provincial health regulators.

There have been numerous inquiries about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the Ministry of Health is well aware of this.  PPE continues to be managed and distributed by the Ministry of Health. For any requests for PPE, please contact your local health authority.  Otherwise, PPE will need to be acquired individually at this time. 

The College looks forward to sharing the guidelines for return to practice with you in the near future, so that the public receives care in a safe environment.

In the meantime, please stay safe and well.