14 April 2022

FODO member update - 14 April

This week:

• Mobile cataract units set up in England
• Face coverings no longer required in Scotland
• Education providers to adapt to updated GOC education standards for prescribing
• Developing advanced clinical practitioners in eyecare
• Diabetic eye screening in England: approved cameras and settings
• CORRECTION: GOC Registrant Survey closes 26 April
• Notice of FODO AGM
• Opening hours bank holiday weekend and member updates
• Other sector news

Mobile cataract units set up in England

NHS England has publicised a new mobile cataract suite in Stoke Mandeville Hospital grounds in Buckinghamshire that is helping to reduce waiting times. The mobile unit enables the Trust to perform 80-100 additional cataract operations a week.
 
In Devon, the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter also offers various ophthalmology services to local people. At the same time, in Newcastle, the Westgate Cataract Centre can perform up to 1,000 cataract procedures a month - nearly double pre-coronavirus figures.
 
To address Covid backlogs and reduce long waits for patients, NHS national medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: "Local NHS areas are adopting creative innovations to ensure patients are getting the care they need", including "mobile units doing cataract operations". 

Face coverings no longer required in Scotland

On 18 April, wearing face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and public transport will become guidance only in Scotland rather than a legal requirement.
 
However, as 5,000 cases a day are still being recorded in Scotland, the Scottish Government strongly recommends wearing face coverings to protect the NHS and vulnerable members of society.
 
As part of the Scottish Government's Test and Protect Transition Plan, people without Covid-19 symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular lateral flow tests from 18 April. Testing will, however, continue for healthcare staff, including primary eye care staff with patient-facing roles.
 
Read about the face coverings changes.

Education providers to adapt to updated GOC education standards for prescribing

Education providers are working with the GOC to adapt existing or develop new qualifications for Additional Supply (AS), Supplementary Prescribing (SP) and/or Independent Prescribing (IP) to meet the GOC's updated Outcomes for Approved Qualifications, Standards for Approved Qualifications and Quality and Assurance Enhancement Method by September 2023.
 
The route to speciality registration for trainees currently enrolled on GOC-approved IP programmes remains unchanged.
 
Learn about the new requirements. 

Developing advanced clinical practitioners in eyecare

The North East and Yorkshire Faculty for Advancing Practice is hosting a webinar on developing advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) in eye care. The event will outline the national and regional picture of eyecare and ACPs, including a new master's course offered at The University of Sheffield. The event will take place on 26 April 6.30pm-8pm. Register for the event. 

Diabetic eye screening in England: approved cameras and settings

NHS England has updated its approved list of cameras for the NHS diabetic eye screening (DES) programme in England. The April update adds three new cameras to the approved list. Access the complete list. 

CORRECTION: GOC Registrant Survey closes 26 April

The GOC has published an update to confirm that its registrant survey will close on 26 April, not 19 April. The survey takes just eight minutes to complete, and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 online gift card. Learn more and take part. 

Notice of FODO AGM

FODO will host its AGM on 10 May 2022. This will be a virtual event from 10.30am to 11.30am. As usual, the meeting will include the chair's and managing director's reports, a report on the audited accounts for 2021 and the election of directors. The detailed agenda and papers will be circulated starting on 2 May. To attend, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Opening hours bank holiday weekend and member updates

The FODO office will be closed over the bank holiday weekend and reopens at 9am on Tuesday, 19 April. Members can still access out-of-hours support on Friday and Monday by emailing [email protected].
 
The next scheduled member update will be on 29 April unless any urgent updates, for example, on Covid, are necessary. 

Other sector news

Zoe Richmond has been confirmed as LOCSU's Clinical Director. Read more.
 
Moorfields launches free courses for patients, friends and family who want to learn more about eye care and eye conditions. Read more.