28 May 2021

FODO member update – 28 May

This week:

• Action: GOC Covid-19 statements
• May 2021 - Ophthalmic systems update
• Wales - Covid-19 financial recognition scheme
• College statement on use of chloramphenicol in young children
• Charity and pharma fund NOD audit: AMD
• Get involved - NHS Digital and NHSX research  
• LOCSU recruiting optical leads
• AOP announces new CEO
• NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) open statement

Action: GOC Covid-19 statements

The GOC has today published how it plans to apply its Covid-19 statements from now on following consultation in March 2021. The GOC has followed the College of Optometrists' red-amber-green classification system and sets out which statements will stay in place during all three phases of the pandemic and which will apply only in the red phase in future. Members are advised to read the full GOC statement. A summary of the new applications can be accessed here.  

The changes to the following GOC Covid-19 statements will become effective on 21 June 2021 to allow time for changes to standard operating procedures, etc:

• Supply of spectacles and contact lenses
• Contact lens aftercare
• Optometrists, dispensing opticians and students working in different settings
• Verification of contact lens specifications
• Infection prevention and control
• Use of technology.

The four remaining statements regarding internal GOC functions will come into effect today.

If you have any questions about these changes, please email us at [email protected]

May 2021 - Ophthalmic systems update

PCSE has updated its online system with the goal of improving users' experience. It says changes include improvements to how the PCSE portal operates in the afternoon and the accuracy of bi-focal/varifocal voucher categories, and enabling PMS users to "retrieve GOS3 vouchers".

PCSE will be be unavailable to all optical contractors from 7pm on Friday 28 May until 10am on Sunday 30 May due to unrelated system changes for GP pensions. PCSE and NHSEI have published this Business Continuity Guidance for Ophthalmic Contractors to ensure GOS can continue over this period. 

Wales - Covid-19 financial recognition scheme

The Welsh Government has now published guidance on how primary care workers, including those in ophthalmic primary care services, can claim a £735 payment in recognition of work undertaken during the pandemic.

The guidance includes advice on who is, and is not, entitled to the NHS Covid-19 bonus payment. It also confirms that opticians who see Welsh patients outside Wales might be eligible for the recognition scheme.

The application process is open from 11 June until 30 September 2021. To learn more, read the full guidance note. 

College statement on use of chloramphenicol in young children

The College of Optometrists has published a position statement on the use of chloramphenicol in paediatric populations. It said: "Having reviewed the evidence and a recent statement by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, we do not believe that chloramphenicol POM eye drops pose a direct risk for the indicated use in children if used to its product licence." Read the full position statement. 

Charity and pharma fund NOD audit: AMD

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) has announced that the National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) Audit: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has now received funding for three years, enabling long-term research and data gathering to begin across the UK. The Macular Society, Novartis, Roche and Bayer helped fund the project.

Bernie Chang, President of RCOphth, said: "The RCOphth is grateful to the pharmaceutical industry as well as the Macular Society for their generous support of the NOD AMD Audit. As the leading cause of blindness amongst adults in the UK, this work can lead to significant improvements in standards as well as equity of access to timely treatment. I know the audit is in capable hands and hope every eye unit will participate in data submission." 

Get involved - NHS Digital and NHSX research

NHS Digital and NHSX are building on prior research to help identify what optometrists, practice managers and support staff need from the digital tools and systems to improve patient outcomes. If you can help, then please take five minutes to fill out this short questionnaire. 
 
Learn more about the research. 

LOCSU recruiting optical leads

The LOC Support Unit (LOCSU) is recruiting for new optical leads to join the team to work with and support LOCs in England, including LOC regional forums. The part-time roles report to the LOCSU CEO, but with a line of accountability to the LOCSU clinical director on clinical matters. The closing date for applications is 10 June 2021. View details of the vacancy and job description. 

AOP announces new CEO

The AOP has announced that Adam Sampson will succeed Henrietta Alderman as its chief executive on 14 June 2021. AOP Chair Mike George wished Henrietta "the very best for her retirement" and said that the three months Adam spent as an interim CEO at the GOC will already have given him some "insight into the complex landscape of optometry and dispensing optics". 

NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) open statement

The RHO, supported by three regulators, has called on healthcare leaders to ensure that health and care staff across the country are protected from racism, or any other form of discrimination, as they go about their vital work, and that policies and processes are fair, inclusive and in line with the 2010 Equality Act.

The need to call out and act on racism and racist practice is set out in an open statement today by the RHO, which is hosted by the NHS Confederation. Leaders of the RHO, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Medical Council (GMC) and Care Quality Commission (CQC) make it clear that there is no place for racism in health and care. More information about the RHO and its work is now available on its dedicated website.