20 November 2020

FODO’s Friday roundup of sector news – 20 November

This week:

1. Covid-19 updates
2. College of Optometrists publishes advice for drivers
3. New College guidance and clinical adviser announced
4. Other sector news

1. Covid-19 updates

Northern Ireland and Scotland - practices remain open

As Northern Ireland and Scotland prepare for new lockdowns, primary eye care services will remain open and continue to meet patient needs. 

In Northern Ireland, 'close contact services' will be asked to close again on 27 November, but opticians as healthcare services will be exempt from these restrictions. 

In Scotland, as per our 30 October member update, the Scottish government has already confirmed in PCA(O)2020(16) that community optometry can remain open and "provide a full range of services" under "all five levels" of Covid-19 restrictions. This guidance has not changed. Also, to ensure patients feel confident about accessing eye care in Scotland, Optometrist Alistair Duff has worked with NHS 24 to produce a guide to optometry services, which is accessible on YouTube and NHS inform. 

England - free flu jabs for over 50s and new NHS Covid support 

Free flu jabs have been extended to people aged 50 to 64, which means if you are aged 50 and over you will get the free flu vaccine from 1 December as part of an expanded flu vaccination programme this winter. Read more. 

The NHS has announced that it will establish more than 40 specialist clinics to support patients suffering from the long-term impacts of Covid-19. NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens has warned that thousands of people are experiencing long-term issues following infection and the NHS will have to meet these growing needs. The announcement follows the launch of yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk in July which provides people with self-care support and information. 

Covid-19 - ventilation advice 

The government has launched a new campaign to highlight how adequate ventilation can help reduce the spread of Covid-19. In a new short video, the campaign highlights how fresh air can help reduce the risk of infection from particles by over 70%. Watch the video. 

PSA launches UK consultation - learning from Covid 

The PSA is conducting a review to look at how UK health regulators, including the GOC, responded to the pandemic. The consultation will close on 21 December. Find out more.   

2. College of Optometrists publishes advice for drivers

To mark Road Safety Week on 16-22 November, the College of Optometrists has issued advice to drivers encouraging them to ensure their vision is up to standard before getting behind the wheel. The advice is based on College research which showed two-thirds (66%) of British adults admit to experiencing blurred vision. A third (35%) believe their vision has markedly deteriorated in the past two years. Learn more.  

3. New College guidance and clinical adviser announced

The College of Optometrists has announced that Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu is its new clinical adviser. Dr Bilkhu is an independent prescriber who works at Aston University and primary care in the West Midlands. Read the College interview with Paramdeep. 

The College has also confirmed it will soon publish its updated Guidance for Professional Practice and will be hosting a live webinar on Thursday 3 December at 7.30pm to discuss the changes it has made. Book your place.    

4. Other sector news 

The RNIB, RNID and Sense have challenged Downing Street to improve accessibility to the public health information on Covid-19, setting out how there is an urgent need to act in their 'Not accessible, not acceptable!' campaign. Read more. 

The College of Optometrists is recruiting a new salaried Clinical Editor and several voluntary Acuity Editorial Board members. The deadline for applications is 16 December. Find out more. 

LOCSU has launched an awareness campaign to raise awareness about Local Optical Committees (LOCs) to improve participation. 

The Optician reports that Optimism Health Group has acquired Outside Clinic. Henry Pitman, Chair of Optimism Health Group, said there were plans to offer care at home to "other demographics who do not want to visit the high street, preferring to see an optometrist or audiologist in the comfort of their own home." 

PHE has updated its guidance on approved cameras for diabetic eye screening programmes in England. Read more.