07 July 2023

FODO member update – 7 July

This week:

• Important information for GOS contractors in England
• New treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
• NHS @75
• CET claims window is open
• Other sector news
• Health policy news

Important information for GOS contractors in England

FODO members provide the vast majority of GOS in England and, as a leading member of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC), FODO represents your interests in negotiations with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.  
 
Following successful discussions with the OFNC, NHS England has issued an update on some key developments to GOS regulations and service provisions. Read the FODO summary. 

New treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

NHS England has announced that some premature babies will now be offered ranibizumab to reduce the risk of sight loss due to ROP.

NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said: "The impacts of vision loss can be absolutely devastating, particularly for children and young people" and added it was "fantastic that this treatment will now give families across the country another life-changing option" to help save sight.  

Health Minister Neil O'Brien said: "No baby should have to suffer avoidable sight loss."

NHS @75

This week the NHS turned 75. Kiren Collison Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, thanked 'general practice, pharmacy, optometry and audiology teams'  for all that they do to help people in primary care. Meanwhile Public Health Wales celebrated its achievements, including diabetic eye screening, in a video.

Read more FODO highlights NHS@75. 

CET claims window is open

In England you can now submit CET claims using PCSE Online. £596 will be paid for CET undertaken between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022. The CET claims window will remain open until Thursday 2 November however PCSE is encouraging claims to be made earlier.

Other sector news

• A BBC article shares concerns about driver eyesight and other issues impacting on driving ability.
• RNIB reports on the importance of ECLO services in hospital eye clinics.
• LOCSU has released a podcast to support LOCs with succession planning.

Health policy news

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay hosted another NHS Recovery Summit this week, with a focus on how digital innovation and technology can help cut waiting lists.
 
NHS England has reiterated that no substantial changes to the Payment Scheme will be made without consultation and, as set out in the 2023/24 revenue and contracting guidance, no changes will be made to 2023/24 prices until medical pay awards have been settled, in addition to the Agenda for Change pay award
 
The government has extended the timeframe for accepting CE marked medical devices in Great Britian. Learn more.
 
MHRA's corporate plan sets out how it will focus on supporting patient access to innovation. Read more.
 
NHS England is recruiting a chief executive officer and chair for a new 'national improvement board'. NHS England has said it hopes the board will set "...the direction of system wide improvement by bringing in the right stakeholders to achieve our shared aims through collaboration and co-design.". Read more.
 
In Scotland the government has announced that medical and dental staff will receive a 6% pay increase following recommendations by the DDRB. This marks the single biggest increase in pay since devolution of healthcare to Scotland.