10 December 2021

FODO member update - 10 December

Covid update

As we move into the next phase of the pandemic, please note:

• The College of Optometrists has issued advice to help primary eye care staff make informed choices about their vaccine decisions. Read and share  
• All UK countries now require customers to use a face covering in shops unless they are exempt  
• All members should maintain robust IPC measures in line with UK-wide guidance.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need support.

GOC to freeze fees

The GOC confirms it will not increase the annual fee for fully qualified registrants and optical businesses in 2022. This means fees will remain at £360.
 
It will also ask registrants to confirm the expiry date for their medical malpractice insurance policy. FODO members and their employed clinical staff registered on our scheme should answer '31 December'. 

GOC approves updated requirements for independent prescribing categories
 
The GOC Council has approved updated education and training requirements for GOC-approved qualifications in Additional Supply (AS), Supplementary Prescribing (SP) and/or Independent Prescribing (IP) categories. Fundamental changes include trainees will acquire a single qualification approved by the GOC and will not be required to practise for two years before undertaking an AS, SP or IP qualification. See details.

GOC FtP focus

The GOC has published the latest edition of its FtP Focus bulletin. Issue five includes an interview about committee hearings with Alan Tinger, FODO's director of regulatory affairs. Read Alan's blog. 

Independent sector ophthalmology doing more to support NHS patients

The Health Service Journal published data this week that shows more patients choose to access NHS eye care from independent sector ophthalmology providers. The data focuses on activity change from 2019 to 2021 (April to September). It shows that while activity in most specialties reduced, referral to independent sector ophthalmology services increased by 57%. 

GOC statement on working through the pandemic

The GOC, in a joint statement with other regulators, has reassured all registrants that it understands how difficult it is to work through ongoing pandemic and seasonal pressures.
 
The statement encourages GOC registrants to work "in partnership with each other and people using services, to use their professional judgement to assess risk and to deliver safe care informed by any relevant guidance and the values and principles set out in their professional standards". Read the complete statement. 

Medical colleges raise alarm over workforce crisis

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has sent a new report to the Health Secretary 'A dozen things the NHS could do tomorrow to help the medical workforce crisis'.
 
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)contributed to the report and has drawn attention to chronic shortages in the ophthalmology workforce across the UK. It highlighted the detrimental impact this has on local services. The College said: "Ophthalmology is bearing a heavy toll, with almost 600,000 patients waiting for procedures and a third of these having waited over 18 weeks. Outpatient waiting lists for ophthalmology are also higher than most other specialties and continue to rise."

New cataract surgery guidance

RCOphth has published new guidance on cataract surgery training in high volume settings to help providers, trainers, and trainees. It sets out how the training of cataract surgeons and commissioning of cataract services should be standardised and consistent within all settings. See guidance. 

Optical sector bodies act on Health and Care Bill

FODO, as a member of the OFNC, sent peers an updated briefing on primary care ahead of the report stage of the Health and Care Bill. Lord Hunt laid down two bill amendments, which the House will consider in January. We will continue to monitor and respond to issues within the bill that impact members and keep you up to date through our regular newsletters. 

MHRA recall: mydrilate eye drops

MHRA has issued a Class 2 medicines recall for mydrilate eye drops. The advice is to stop supplying the identified batch immediately, quarantine all remaining stock and return it to your supplier using your supplier's approved process. Read the full notice. 

Government confirms plans for national clinical director for eye care in England

Health minister Maria Caulfield confirmed this week that NHSE and NHSI are planning to start recruitment for a national clinical director for eye care in the new year. 

Other sector news

In a follow-up to our update last week, the health minister has now responded to a question in parliament confirming eligibility for NHS sight tests and setting out the importance of regular sight tests.
 
Moorfields Eye Hospital has launched a diagnostic hub at Brent Cross in London. Upon arrival, a patient undertakes various tests within 45 minutes. A consultant reviews their results and sends them to the patient. It is hoped the hub will reduce waiting lists and times in the clinic.
 
A quick round-up on research news this week:

• A study claims that people over 65 who underwent cataract surgery had a 30% lower risk of developing dementia for 10 years after surgery compared to those who did not
• Early research suggests it might be possible to develop a viable treatment for progressive vision loss by using patient skin to generate healthy retinal cells
• Ophthalmology Times Europe notes that new CPC laser technologies could improve glaucoma outcomes.

 
Aston University and Optimec have formed a knowledge transfer partnership
to improve calibration processes to measure contact lenses.