30 September 2022

FODO member update – 30 September

This week:

• FODO statement on planned eye care reforms in Wales
• Ophthalmology demand forecasts for England
• University of Bradford to run online patient group on paediatric myopia
• Eye Q Report
• Dry Eye - Global Education initiative
• Today is last chance to book NOC
• Other sector news

FODO statement on planned eye care reforms in Wales

Following last week's member update, FODO has issued a formal statement on the planned eye care reforms in Wales. We welcome the Welsh Government's recognition of the value of primary eye care expertise and infrastructure and the greater investment in primary eye care services. However, much of the detail is still being worked through, and we are seeking clarification on crucial elements such as:

• The impacts of cutting patient benefits (voucher values)
• Sustainability of domiciliary services given the new funding structure and proposals to make Level 2 WGOS (previously EHEW) mandatory
• Content of the clinical manuals that will underpin the contractual changes.

 Read the complete FODO statement.
 
We will keep members updated as more information becomes available but meanwhile, please let us have your views at [email protected].  

Ophthalmology demand forecasts for England

NHS England's National Eyecare Recovery and Transformation Programme (NECRTP) has published ophthalmology demand projections to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to support local planning.

The model breaks down demand forecasts by subspecialty and provides data on expected activity growth, the drivers behind activity and variation between ICBs.
 
The NECRTP plans to hold a webinar with the team that produced these forecasts. 

University of Bradford to run online patient group on paediatric myopia

The University of Bradford is inviting parents and children affected by myopia to a focus group discussion on 4 October from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
 
If you know of anyone interested in participating, please direct them to register their interest or email [email protected] for more information. 

Eye Q Report

Eye Health UK released its Eye Q Report in support of National Eye Health Week on 23 September. The report stresses the importance and value of having a sight test regarding good vision and eye health and preventing avoidable health problems. The report also highlights how the public is still not fully aware of NHS support for sight tests and help towards the cost of optical appliances.
 
Read the results. 

Dry Eye - Global Education initiative

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have launched a global, evidence-based dry eye disease education initiative aimed at raising optometrists' understanding of the condition, its prevalence, diagnosis and management.
 
The dry eye disease initiative brings together expert professors - Jennifer Craig, Lyndon Jones, and James Wolffsohn - who will refine research and clinical evidence into educational content, starting with online events.
 
Read the press release. 

Today is last chance to book NOC

Bookings to join the National Optical Conference (NOC) from 10-12 October in Leeds are filling up fast and will end today.

Once the five remaining rooms in The Queens Hotel are booked, you will only be able to attend as a day delegate. The agenda includes speeches, workshops, drop-in sessions and networking opportunities.

Find out more and book. 

Other sector news

BCLA members have until 28 January 2023 to apply for a Fellowship.
 
NEI has published a guided protocol on making retinal pigment epithelium.