The following is special Covid-19 update from the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) regarding NZ triage guidelines
FROM THE ODOB BOARD
As you are aware optometrists may assist in the delivery of 'emergency and acute' eye care during the Covid-19 Alert 4 lockdown period.
The ODOB and the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) have been working closely with DHBs across the country to provide more structure, guidance and consistency in triaging acute and emergency presentations and a New Zealand optometry triage guideline has been created. We recommend that optometrists follow this in conjunction with the RANZCO Covid-19 triage guidelines adapted from the Moorfields Eye Hospital guidelines and modified for the New Zealand environment.
As previously communicated, care must be delivered in an environment where the strict Covid-19 protocols specified by the Government can be observed, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and phone triage should be undertaken first before proceeding to have a patient attend an optometry practice. Following consultation (via phone and/or in person), if necessary, the optometrist should consider collaborative care with ophthalmology.
If the optometrist is in doubt with any decision making they should discuss and collaborate with their local DHB to ensure not only the patient is triaged appropriately but they are taking appropriate steps to help the Government priority to eliminate community transmission of Covid-19. We understand the DHBs may modify the triage guidelines to accommodate the individual regions.
* Link to Covid-19 New Zealand optometry triage guidelines: www.odob.health.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Optometry-Essential-Services-during-the-lockdown-period-in-New-Zealand-1.pdf
* Link to the RANZCO NZ Covid-19 triage guidelines: www.odob.health.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RANZCO-triage-NZ-changes-level-4.pdf
* Link for the Lai2020 reference article: www.odob.health.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lai2020_Article_SteppingUpInfectionControlMeas.pdf
Also previously communicated, optical products could be considered an essential non-food product if it is deemed by the practitioner (using sound clinical judgement) that it is an essential good and meets the definitions set out by the Government. We expect that this would be far and few between and more directed to those who need this in a “true emergency”. We also want to reiterate the need to follow Government protocols in the provision of such services, which includes that all appropriate public health measures are taken.The ODOB are concerned and disappointed that there may be practitioners approaching the provision of essential optical products as an opportunity for sales and commercialism. We cannot stress enough that the purpose of the lockdown is to eliminate community transmission of Covid-19. By taking inappropriate and unnecessary actions you are putting not only the lives of the public at risk, but also your own.We will get through this, but we do have to work together, be patient and show understanding.If any further updates become available or alert levels are to change, we will communicate with everyone any necessary guidance.Kia kaha,Jayesh Chouhan, ODOB board chair
