12 May 2023

FODO member update – 12 May

This week:

• Principles and priorities for primary eye care launched
• Scottish Government withdraws facemask-wearing guidance
• FODO name
• Member access to workforce data
• Peter-Abel-Award opens for entries

Principles and priorities for primary eye care launched

Principles and priorities for primary eye care was published at our AGM on 10 May alongside the  FODO Group 2022 annual report.
 
We would like to thank all members who helped co-produce Principles and priorities for primary eye care. It sets out priorities for 2023-26 and the work we will be doing with you and on your behalf to effect positive change in the sector while holding on to our core values and what counts for patients.
 
As a FODO member, you can directly shape this future by getting more involved in the policy and leadership work we do. If you are interested or want to be more involved in any area set out in Principles and priorities, please let us know at [email protected]. 
 
At this stage, we are particularly interested in members' views on:

• Workforce opportunities and challenges
• How you are using, plan or hope to use technology to improve eye care for your patients
• Innovative models of care and how our policy team can help you succeed by removing obstacles 
• Barriers and enablers to changes that would improve eye health and care for patients and populations.  

We will keep you updated on our workstreams, developments and emerging opportunities through our member newsletter, so keep an eye on that.
 
In addition, we are always here to listen. If you would like to discuss any issue with our policy team or executive team, please call us on 020 7298 5151 or email [email protected], and join us in our policy and leadership work. 

Scottish Government withdraws facemask-wearing guidance

The Scottish Government has updated its guidance on face masks and face coverings following recognition that Scotland has 'entered a calmer phase of the pandemic'.
 
From 16 May, healthcare and social care staff will not routinely need to use Covid-19 face masks/covers. However, they should continue to follow the infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) for standard infection control in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) and the Care Home National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CHIPCM). 
 
Read more about the changes. 

FODO name

As announced in our 3 March newsletter, following member consultation, FODO formally changed its name to the Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) at the AGM on 10 May. 

Member access to workforce data

Workforce data about GOC-registered optometrists is now available to members on the FODO website. Dispensing optician data will follow.
 
Please email us at [email protected] about what you want to see on this workforce data hub. 

Peter-Abel-Award opens for entries

The Association of German Contact Lens Specialists and Optometrists (VDCO) has announced that this year's Peter-Abel-Award is open for international submissions. The prize of €2,000 is for innovative work in contact optics, eye physiology and optometry that led to a PhD.
 
Applicants must submit papers by 9 July. They will then be invited to present their work on 6 October 2023 at the VDCO annual conference in Berlin.