Use of non-contact tonometry to measure intra-ocular pressure during COVID-19

At the beginning of the current COVID-19 crisis, there was significant uncertainly about what ophthalmic procedures would fulfil the Public Health England (PHE) criteria for an aerosol generating procedure (AGP) as the guidance from PHE did not address every specialty in detail. Phacoemulsification surgery and air puff tonometry were thought to pose a potential risk through generating some degree of small droplet spray or aerosol. Advice was given by both The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to avoid the use of air puff tonometry in all clinical settings. This document provides a consensus on the risks of non-contact tonometry and advises suitable usage during the COVID-19 pandemic.