30 August 2024

FODO member update - 30 August

This week:

• First treatment for acanthamoeba keratitis
• Take part in OW survey
• Support the OCT taskforce
• PCSE England - WAF testing and deployment
• NHS launches new waiting list initiative
• At a glance
• Health policy

First treatment for acanthamoeba keratitis

Researchers at UCL confirm that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved AKANTIOR®, the first acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) treatment, for use in the EU.

Professor John Dart, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said this breakthrough came after 15 years of research, with the EMA making this the first licensed treatment for people aged 12 and older with AK.

The MHRA has not yet approved the treatment in the UK.

Read more. 

Take part in OW survey

Members in Wales are asked to support Optometry Wales (OW) by completing a survey on GOS reforms. OW will use the feedback to help inform the annual review of WGOS manuals and shape OW's priorities for future contract negotiations. The survey will close on 14 September. Take part now. 

Support the OCT taskforce

Optometry Scotland (OS) has established an OCT taskforce to explore the use of OCT in primary care across Scotland. OS now needs your help to develop a more detailed paper on the benefits and costs of OCT for the Scottish Government.

If you'd like to support this work and are an optometrist working in Scotland, please complete this survey. If you are a practice manager/owner, take this survey. 

PCSE England - WAF testing and deployment

PCSE has issued advice on WAF testing and deployment as part of technical changes to eGOS to ensure compliance with the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

On 3 September, PCSE will revoke existing client-side certificates and position the services behind a WAF in the Test eGOS API environment. 

Please ensure your IT leads read the full PCSE update, which describes testing processes and timelines for implementation in more detail. 

NHS launches new waiting list initiative

The NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched a framework to help NHS trusts "in source". It allows them to source "vetted suppliers" to deliver clinical services in their hospitals.

NHS SBS says this short-to-medium-term solution will allow third-party suppliers to provide clinical and diagnostic services using trust capital that "might otherwise be idle". For example, using a supplier to deliver care out of hours and at weekends to help get waiting lists down.

NHS SBS's framework agreement spans all elective speciality services, including ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat (ENT). 

At a glance

• US optometrists make case for expansion of optometry-led laser treatment. Read more.
• AOP CEO blogs about education, noting things have changed recently, including the GOC approving a level 6 dispensing apprenticeship qualification and a medical doctor degree apprenticeship now being in existence. The blog sets out how an optometry degree apprenticeship would "not depend on the agreement of the AOP. If Skills England proposes it, a university is willing to work with an employer to deliver it, and the GOC approves it, a pathway can be designed and delivered". He adds that "renewed interest from a new mission-led government in the socio-economic value of apprenticeships" also exists. Read more.
• Potential new pathway to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Read more.
• Research in the US, which has different barriers to accessing eye care to the UK, has shown that eye screening programmes in primary care could improve eye disease detection and treatment and potentially prevent sight loss. Read more.
• Asda Opticians has started accepting applications for its first pre-registration optometrist programme, with vacancies available for 2025-26. Read more.
• David Hewlett reflects on time at LOCSU. Read more.
• Mpox Virus and its ocular surface manifestations. Read more.

Health policy

• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists says it has written to Mark Drakeford, urging him to implement an electronic patient record system for eye care speedily and support the delivery of the National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology. 
• Sam Rowlands MS has asked the Welsh Government (WG) what it is doing to reduce waiting lists for cataract surgery. Responding, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said WG had invested in increasing capacity, and the number of ophthalmology open pathways over 104 weeks was 56% lower in May 2024 compared to April 2022.
• NHS England has published new guidance on introducing Single Point of Access (SPoA). The guidance states there is "no single right way to establish a SPoA model" but advises ICBs to follow the advice in the guidance. Read more. 
• In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has ruled out cuts to free NHS prescriptions but has warned that the economic outlook means difficult choices must be made this year. Read more.