16 June 2023

FODO member update – 16 June

This week:

• Update on Welsh Government consultation
• Other news this week

Update on Welsh Government consultation

FODO's members provide most primary eye care services in Wales and will play key roles in ensuring the proposed WGOS reforms are a success.
 
The FODO Board is currently finalising the FODO response to the Welsh Government consultation, Proposals to reform the ophthalmic services delivered in primary care in Wales, which will close on Monday 19 June.
 
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all Welsh members for helping shape our response and to provide a final update before the consultation closes.
 
Read the full update. 

Other news this week

• The College has urged people not to put off sight tests after its research found people were delaying essential eye care because of the cost-of-living crisis. Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said it was vital not to delay children's sight tests as "we have a small window of time to correct any issues." He reassured parents that "even if your child does need glasses, they will be entitled to an optical voucher to help towards the cost". The College did not comment on plans to cut patient benefits in Wales for children and the impact this is likely to have based on its latest research.

• The AOP has issued a statement raising concerns about aspects of planned reforms in Wales, including changes to voucher values. Read more.

• Clinical Alert about syphilis.

• Moorfields CEO Martin Kuper has apologised on behalf of the eye hospital after a tribunal found that Moorfields 'racially discriminated against, harassed and victimised' a former employee. Read more.

• ACLM press release on their Contact Lens Year Book. 

• GOC notes ABDO and UCLan as the first dispensing qualifications to meet new education requirements. Read more.

• PES seeks practices that wish to deliver community learning disabilities pathway.

• NHS England has apologised about issues with PCSE Online and set out details of easements. Read more.

• PCSE has confirmed that the CET claims window will open on 3 July. From this date, CET claims can be made online.

• The government in England has confirmed that it will not change free pharmacy prescriptions for the over 60s to reflect the new retirement age. We previously reported on the consultation.

• College welcomes new Council members at AGM.

• The Government has published its joint response to the Hewitt Review and the Health and Social Care Select Committee's report on integrated care system autonomy and accountability. The FODO policy team is reviewing this response on members' behalf and will keep you up to date on strategic issues.