18 October 2024

FODO member update – 18 October

This week:

• Act on CPD now
• Birmingham researchers win glaucoma research award
• Job opportunities - Optometry Wales
• RNIB CEO gives evidence to Covid-19 inquiry
• At a glance
• Policy updates

Act on CPD now

As we approach the end of the CPD cycle, 85% of registrants have now met their provider-led points, core domains and peer-review requirements. However, only 61% of GOC registrants are on track to achieve all the required CPD points and just 12% have submitted their reflective exercises.
 
Benefit from these free CPD sources. FODO also encourages members to take full advantage of self-directed CPD and will shortly publish advice and guidance on how to do this. 

Birmingham researchers win glaucoma research award

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have won the 2024 Glaucoma UK and Royal College of Ophthalmologists Research Award. The funding will help the team investigate the extracellular matrix and its role in trabecular meshwork dysfunction. The researchers hope this will enable them to develop a novel treatment for primary open angle glaucoma. 

Job opportunities - Optometry Wales

Apply to become a regional engagement officer at Optometry Wales. There are three part-time positions for optometrists. The role will include supporting the local Regional Optical Committee and practices. Read more and apply by 4 November. 

RNIB CEO gives evidence to Covid-19 inquiry

RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer appeared as a witness at the Covid-19 inquiry, raising concerns about the lack of support for people with sight and hearing loss. He also said that remote appointments and changes to routine appointments for disabled people had significant impacts. Read more. 

At a glance

• Read why the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) will gradually transition from using the National Data Guardian's NDG's 10 data security standards to the National Cyber Security Centre's Cyber Assessment Framework as its underpinning assessment mechanism.
• College of Optometrists warns against Halloween eye health hazards. Read more.
• College attends party conference to speak to politicians on behalf of all optometrists. Read more.
• AOP CEO's blog, this time on workforce, shares a view on supply and demand.

Policy updates

• Government review of CQC finds "significant internal failings at the regulator", impeding its ability to identify poor performance at hospitals, care homes and GP practices. The CQC is also said to have issues with operational effectiveness, including a lack of capacity and capability concerning its inspection regime. There will now be a review of other bodies in the NHS, including the National Guardian's Office, Healthwatch and NHS Resolution, with these feeding into the 10-year plan. Read more.
• Richard Meddings, NHS England chair, has announced he will step down in March. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will appoint a new chair to deliver the 10-year plan. Read more.
• Wes Streeting is expected to appoint Alan Milburn as the lead NED at the DHSC. Read more.
• ONS publishes real-time information on earnings and employment data. The data shows cost growth in retail and healthcare for employers, as wage growth has remained strong. Further evidence that GOS fees need uplifting to help providers meet growing costs.