02 June 2023

FODO member update – 2 June

This week:

• NHS announces new measures to cut ophthalmology waiting times
• Primary eye care bucks the trend again
• NES supports delivery of new NHS Community Glaucoma Service in Scotland
• PCSE online update
• Get involved with the NHS turning 75
• Obituary Michael Tillotson
• Other news
• Tech news
• Health policy news

NHS announces new measures to cut ophthalmology waiting times

NHS England hopes to cut ophthalmology waiting times based on the latest version of 'Evidence-based interventions' produced by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. Read more, including FODO's response. 

Primary eye care bucks the trend again

New General Optical Council (GOC) research shows that public satisfaction with primary eye care remains high. The GOC found that 94% of respondents who had a sight test/eye examination in the last two years were satisfied with the optometrist who carried it out. Read more at FODO.com. 

NES supports delivery of new NHS Community Glaucoma Service in Scotland

The new NHS Community Glaucoma Service (CGS) in Scotland means that patients with lower-risk glaucoma or treated ocular hypertension can eventually be discharged from secondary care and receive their ongoing care closer to home from FODO members.
 
Practitioners delivering the CGS must have completed the NESGAT qualification or equivalent, as determined by NES. 

PCSE online update

Please see the latest PCSE update on the issues affecting access and performance on PCSE Online. The update explains that most issues are now resolved, what to do if you are still having issues, and an apology from the Managing Director for Health at Capita Public Service. 

Get involved with the NHS turning 75

NHS England is looking to mark the NHS's 75th anniversary on 5 July 2023 and would like to share some of your stories, experiences, and photos of working in primary care. Please get involved by sending these to [email protected]. 

Obituary Michael Tillotson

Optics has lost another of its titans - Michael (Micky) Tillotson, who died recently at the age of 95. FODO member Don Grocott recalls Micky leading the ACLM and working tirelessly to ensure that contact lens and solutions regulations benefited patients and continued to support innovation in the industry. Read the full obituary. 

Other news

• The long-awaited NHS England workforce plan is rumoured to be held up due to cost issues, reports the Guardian. BIOS has joined over 40 organisations in calling for the plan to be published. Read more.

• ABDO has announced Dr Nick Watts as the first keynote speaker at this year's SEE Summit in October. Dr Watts is the chief sustainability officer for the NHS, responsible for its commitment to deliver a world-class net zero emissions health service. Read more.

• LOCSU has published its business plan, explaining its commitment to focus on supporting LOCs. Read more.

• LOCSU has presented the benefits of Optometry First to opticians in Europe. Read more.

Tech news

The MHRA has announced a new regulatory pathway to support safe patient access to innovative medical technologies. The MHRA, NICE, Health Technology Wales and the Scottish Health Technology Group will operate the Innovative Devices Access Pathway, due for launch later in 2023. The plan is to work with innovators and bring new products to patients sooner through targeted scientific advice and a clear framework. Read more. 

Health policy news

NHS England leadership has written to all system leads to remind and support them to enable patient choice and ensure patients control their care. Read more.
 
The Welsh government has appointed Judith Paget as director general of health and social services and chief executive of NHS Wales. Read more.
 
OT reports on a Royal College of Ophthalmologists event at which a panel shared views on various issues, including concerns about how the independent sector is used in the NHS. The panel included new College president Ben Burton who spoke in his inaugural presidential address about the need to tackle the current crisis in ophthalmology departments with "capacity and staffing issues in eye departments around the UK".