19 January 2024

FODO member update - 19 January

This week:

• New criminal records checks service
• Joint statement on reducing risk of flu/Covid this winter
• More than meets the eye
• New Scottish workforce report published
• PCSE - Ophthalmic Bulletin
• Other sector news
• Health policy updates

New criminal records checks service

FODO has partnered with Vero Screening to offer practice owners a new criminal record checks service. FODO makes no commission - instead members benefit from a discounted rate.
 
Alan Tinger, FODO director, said: "Vero Screening's platform will help members save time when undertaking background checks. It will also save many money compared to what they pay today. Some members will make their own arrangements, so we designed our cost of checks guide to help everybody shop around and get the service that works for them."
 
Complete this form to get a quote from Vero. 

Joint statement on reducing risk of flu/Covid this winter

Due to the increasing case prevalence of seasonal flu, Covid, and respiratory illness, FODO, with sector partners, has published this short guidance note on the importance of maintaining high standards of IPC this winter.

More than meets the eye

The charity Sight Scotland has launched a new campaign to dispel negative perceptions about people living with sight loss.

The ‘More than meets the eye' initiative will tackle negative perceptions associated with sight loss and raise awareness about how, with the right support, sight loss does not have to be a barrier to a happy and fulfilling life. 

New Scottish workforce report published

The National Ophthalmic Workforce (NOW) Review provides data and insights about the patient-facing ophthalmic workforce in Scotland. 

NOW covers ophthalmology, optometry, dispensing opticians, orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians and the nursing workforce across primary and secondary eye care. The report, which analyses data from the pre-pandemic shift in working patterns, is mainly positive on the workforce mix. The mix includes a relatively young optometry workforce and Scotland having more IP optometrists per 100,000 population than elsewhere in the UK. One challenge is that the workforce remains concentrated in larger cities like Glasgow. 

Julie Mosgrove, chair of Optometry Scotland (OS), has welcomed the report as a "good starting point", providing a snapshot of a period the sector can build on. OS explains that the report "no longer aligns with the outlook or views we have received from our membership now operating in different times".

Daniel Hodgson, who leads workforce development at FODO, said: "NOW is a helpful stocktake. Demand for enhanced primary eye care services is set to increase across Scotland as eye diseases become more prevalent due to demographic shifts. At FODO Scotland, we will continue to work with OS and education providers to help ensure we have the workforce to respond to this need. Our approach will ensure that Scotland continues to be a world leader in primary eye care for all." 

PCSE - Ophthalmic Bulletin

The January PCSE Bulletin reminds all contractors about regulatory changes that are now in effect. It also includes guidance on generating a GOS3 in PCSE Online and how to change bank details. Read more. 

Other sector news

• This year, 100% Optical will take place at Excel London from 24-26 February. The exhibition will showcase optical fashion and equipment and offer CPD opportunities.
• The RNIB has announced the return of its See Differently Awards. Nominations are open for individuals and organisations who have dedicated their skills, passion and time to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.
• New technique enhances quality control of lab-grown cells for AMD treatment. 
• NICE has postponed its Diabetic Retinopathy guideline publication date to allow time to finalise recommendations. NICE will update when a publication date is confirmed.
• Axial length measurement advice to be shared at the first BCLA webinar of 2024.

Health policy updates

As planned, the FODO policy team has reviewed the NHS payment consultation and will not be making a formal submission. The consultation focuses on changes to how the cost uplift factor is computed and technical pricing issues that mainly impact other services. There are also no material changes to NHS local pricing principles used to determine fees for enhanced services. The consultation proposes changing some HRG codes for cataract surgery based on an assessment of average cost and case mix. However, we understand that ophthalmology colleagues who provide these procedures will submit a response directly if they disagree with the analysis from NHS England's pricing team.
 
Also as planned, FODO, with the NCHA, has completed its review of the NHS Standard Contract consultation. Material changes, as expected, relate to the implementation of the PSR. The policy teams at FODO and the NCHA are drafting a short submission; if you want to get involved or learn more, please email [email protected].