11 June 2021

FODO member update – 11 June

This week:

• Wales confirms fee increase
• Scotland - NHS GOS updates
• Get involved - Macular Society survey
• Concerns about vision grow
• ABDO opens booking for its first summit on the environment
• Other sector news

Wales confirms fee increase

The Welsh government has confirmed that Wales Eye Care Services fees will increase by 1.5% for 2021-22, although the low vision service will remain unchanged at £80. Its letter also confirms that details on GOS sight test fees and voucher values will "follow in due course". 

Scotland - NHS GOS updates

With eye care services showing signs of recovery in Scotland, practice-based and domiciliary providers will move to the same financial support model with effect from 1 June. To qualify for the 'top up' payment, providers will now need to meet 60% of their average 2019/20 GOS(S)1 income. With effect from July, this threshold will increase to 70% and in August 80%. The PCA notes plans to cease Covid-19 financial support from 1 September 2021.
 
The PCA also includes important reminders on participation in lateral flow testing and an update on removing providers from the Ophthalmic List for non-provision. Members in Scotland are advised to read PCA(O)2021(07) in full.
 
You can also review Optometry Scotland's response to the PCA. 

Get involved - Macular Society survey

The Macular Society is conducting a survey to understand better the information and support needs of people with, or at risk of, macular disease. The survey organiser is keen to hear from eye care professionals. To take part, email Sarah. 

Concerns about vision grow

The College of Optometrists report that "almost one-third of adults in Britain (31%) have noticed their vision get worse since the Covid-19 pandemic induced lockdowns".
 
It spoke to 2,000 British adults in September 2020 and repeated the research in April 2021. Clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom said the repeat survey had shown "a marked increase in those worried about their eyesight".
 
The College is encouraging people to seek help from their optometrist. It reassures those that expressed concerns about the safety of having a sight test due to Covid, saying: "Optometrists are open and are safe to visit. Your practitioner will ensure all the appropriate safety measures are in place."
 
Read more. 

ABDO opens booking for its first summit on the environment

ABDO will host its inaugural Social, Ethical and Environmental (SEE) summit on the environment on 4 October 2021. You can now book your place at the event. 

Other sector news

Optometry Scotland has confirmed it will work closely with Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of the Highlands and Islands, and the Scottish government to help implement the ESR.
 
The European Council of Optometry and Optics have published a statement on responsible recycling of waste by optical and optometric professionals. Published on World Environment Day, 5 June, the information encourages primary eye care services to raise awareness of plastic waste created by contact lenses, bags and other products.
 
The Optician reports that Penguin Random House has gifted audiobooks to the RNIB People's Talking Books Library, taking the collection to over 33,000 titles.