Page 34 - FODO-Strategy-Document-Full-2023

Support new models of enhanced primary
eye care services
We will:
• Improve patient access by supporting primary eye care providers to
expand the range of services they offer to meet patient needs.
• Call on the NHS to fund and commission enhanced services to
meet patient needs and to end unwarranted and unjustified
variation in access to vital eye care services.
Protect patient benefits and increase
patient education
We will:
• Champion patients’ rights to choose a provider and evidence-
based care for themselves and their families.
• Do all we can to protect patient access to affordable eyewear and
NHS support for visual correction for the most vulnerable and most
in need.
• Continue to work with charities and public health teams to ensure
the public understands the importance of eye examinations and
looking after their eyes.
• Continue to embrace equality, diversity and inclusion across the
sector, including for patients, eye care practitioners, ancillary
workers, students and trainees.
Primary Eye Care Audiology
Pharmacy
GP
Dentist
34 FODO UK
Optimise the workforce
We will:
• Continue to work with the GOC, HEIs and sector partners to safely
implement the GOC’s Education and Training Requirements,
including supporting our members to provide high-quality,
properly funded training places.
• Work with HEIs and primary care providers to secure a sustainable
and inclusive eye care workforce.
• Support and promote opportunities for more optometrists and
DOs to fulfil resident roles in practice to help meet the needs of
patients with chronic care needs.
• Explore how to accommodate changing working practices, so
optometrists and dispensing opticians can meet an increasingly
complex and professionally rewarding workload as more patients
with complex conditions are managed in primary eye care over time.
• Support optometrists and dispensing opticians to meet growing
patient needs with more support from well-trained ophthalmic
technicians and optical assistants.
Maximise technology and innovation
We will:
• Embrace and encourage innovation developed by our members
and others.
• Liaise with NHS bodies to provide IT development and support
to ensure patients and health systems benefit from joined-up,
seamless systems and technology.
• Pursue common technical IT standards that maximise benefits
and connectivity while minimising costs for providers and the NHS.
The future of primary eye care – principles and priorities 35