FODO member update – 28 April

This week:

Primary eye care reforms in Wales - consultation now open
FODO supports new national vision campaign
PCSE bulletin
College president speaks at Parliamentary Meeting
Aston University to offer MOptom this year
Digital marketing for independent practices
Other sector news

Primary eye care reforms in Wales - consultation now open

The Welsh Government is running a consultation on changes to regulations underpinning its plans to change GOS in Wales.

The consultation, Proposals to reform the ophthalmic services delivered in primary care in Wales, closes on 19 June.

Optometry Wales has published its initial statement and will soon post FAQs.

You can also read a statement on proposed reforms by Eluned Morgan MS, minister for health and social services, which explains how a "trained and well-equipped workforce" in primary eye care is key to helping meet growing eye health needs in Wales. The minister's statement also encourages ongoing "robust dialogue, discussion, and collaborative working" to further improve eye care for people in Wales.

Members in Wales are asked to read our full statement before responding to the consultation.

The AOP has published a statement, like FODO, explaining the importance of carefully analysing all consultation documents.

ABDO has not yet commented on proposed changes to dispensing essential vision correction to children and other patient groups eligible for NHS support.

FODO supports new national vision campaign

FODO has joined sector partners and motoring organisations to launch an Is Your Vision Roadworthy? campaign.

The campaign aims to educate motorists about their legal obligation to ensure their eyesight is fit for driving, ultimately making our roads safer. The campaign will run throughout May, when traffic volumes are expected to peak due to the three bank holidays.

Read more and access campaign resources so you can support the campaign.

PCSE bulletin

In its April bulletin, PCSE covers the payment of increased GOS fees and pre-reg training grants from 1 April, common reasons for rejected claims, how to minimise the risk of duplicate claims and support in making accurate claims. Read more.

(Please note the GOS 6 rate in the PCSE bulletin is not correct. This is being updated and any underpayments will be corrected)

College president speaks at Parliamentary Meeting

Professor Leon Davies presented the College of Optometrists' vision for the optometry workforce to the Westminster APPG on eye health and visual impairment this week.

He discussed how the NHS could use the complete skills and competencies of optometrists more effectively to benefit patients. He along with Dr Peter Hampson of the AOP also presented workforce data.

Sector bodies, including FODO, are co-funding a data project on workforce and population eye health needs. To learn more, email [email protected].

Aston University to offer MOptom this year

The GOC has confirmed that from September 2023, Aston University will be the fifth university to start delivering the Master of Optometry (MOptom) qualification under new education and training requirements.

Others that have also provided updates on transition to new programmes are Anglia Ruskin University, Cardiff University, Ulster University and the University of Plymouth.

Digital marketing for independent practices

SightCare is hosting a series of webinars on the benefits to independent optical practices of using digital marketing strategies to improve patient engagement, conduct customer reviews and attract new patients. Join the next webinar on 10 May.

Other sector news