18 March 2020

Covid-19: GOS and eye care continuity in Wales

Wales

Please see below the latest advice about GOS and eye care continuity in Wales during the current coronavirus/COVID-1 outbreak. 

• Letter to Primary Care Optometry Teams – includes guidance on managing staff and patients, and explains that practices will “receive a monthly NHS income (GOS, EHEW and LVSW) based on the practice average NHS claims over the previous three-year period (2017-18; 2018-19; 2019-20). Practices are asked to record and monitor their activity through GOS, EHEW and LVSW during this period for health board analysis” 
• Temporary Primary Care Contract Changes – Annex C sets out measures on relaxation of contract monitoring and arrangements for optometry 
• Frequently Asked Questions Covid-19 – includes current advice on PEE and other FAQs. 

This was issued by the Welsh Government on 17 March 2020. It should have reached you direct via Optometry Wales networks, but some members are reporting not receiving it. 

It is important that all practices comply with the guidance both to keep essential services going and to ensure we continue to protect patients, staff and public as an essential part of the NHS and primary care. 

Other UK Countries 

We are hopeful of further announcements about England, Scotland and Northern Ireland later this or early next week. As well as communications through Optometry Scotland and Optometry Northern Ireland, we will issue those, as well as information about England, via  member alerts to ensure no-one is missed and that you see the picture for the UK as a whole. 

Ongoing Work 

As throughout this crisis, FODO is continuing to work 24/7 with sector partners, all four UK governments, health services, the GOC and College of Optometrists to enable us to continue to deliver essential eye care to the population, to keep our staff safe and our practices operating, as well as cooperating in the common efforts to help the four Nations weather the crisis and recover as quickly as possible thereafter. 

Please continue to contact us if you need help, advice or assistance throughout the crisis at [email protected] or via 020 7298 5151.