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15 November 2024

FODO member update – 15 November


This week:


The College of Optometrists - 500 new optometrists receive diplomas


FODO congratulates over 500 new optometrists and fellows who received their diplomas and fellowships at two ceremonies in London on 12 November. Read more


ABDO presents awards for long service


ABDO honours three individuals with a long history of serving the Association on 6 November. FODO congratulates the former ABDO president and board member Peter Black, current ABDO board member Julie Lees, who received ABDO Life Membership awards, and Dr Lizzie Bartlam (Aston University and ABDO College) who was awarded the ABDO Medal of Excellence. Read more


Second term for GOC chair of council


Dr Anne Wright CBE will remain the chair of council at the General Optical Council (GOC) for a further four years. The GOC Privy Council initially appointed Dr Wright as chair in 2021. It announced her reappointment on 12 November. 


Wales annual 'Quality for Optometry' toolkits issued


Health boards in Wales have begun sending contractors the WGOS Quality for Optometry annual compliance toolkit. FODO is working with OW and other optical sector partners to review the toolkit and consider whether further contractors' guidance is necessary.  


Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellows programme continues


Health Education and Improvement Wales has confirmed that the Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellows (WCLF) scheme will continue with the 14th intake in August/September 2025 following the success of previous cohorts.
 
WCLF is a one-year, out-of-programme/secondment opportunity for optometrists (A4C band 7-8a) and other health professionals. 
 
Organisations that would like to host an optometric WCLF should submit their project proposals here


ECLOs celebrate 30th anniversary


The RNIB has celebrated 30 years since establishing the eye care liaison officer (ECLO) role in 1994. ECLOs and NHS staff in hospitals work together to support people with sight loss.

There are currently 130 ECLOs across the UK and RNIB aims to reach the goal of one ECLO in all main UK hospitals within the next few months. 


100% Optical CPD programme announced for 2025


The 100% Optical trade show, which runs from 1-3 March 2025 at EXCEL London, has announced its CPD programme. 


PES opens booking for new CUES Triage CPD events


18 November, 1pm - 1:30pm - register
18 November, 5pm - 5:30pm - register
21 November, 9am - 9:30am - register
21 November, 7pm - 7:30pm - register 


Survey shows improved access to ophthalmologist cataract training


A second Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCO) survey shows improved cataract training opportunities in the independent sector.
 
Despite the progress, the RCO said: "More work is needed as trainees in nearly all regions report they need additional training opportunities in ISPs."
 
Meanwhile, independent healthcare providers have removed one million people from the NHS waiting list, according to analysis by the Independent Healthcare Providers Network.
 
It said the sector had delivered "record levels of care to NHS patients", most significantly in trauma and orthopaedic surgery and ophthalmology services. Read more


RNIB appoints first chief technology officer


The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has appointed its first chief technology officer, Linda Rogers. Her remit is to transform RNIB's internal IT and technology and engage with tech leaders to champion inclusivity. 


Preventing blindness in children with rare genetic disease


Clinicians and researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital are using the enzyme replacement therapy Brineura to treat the eye in children with the rare genetic disorder CLN2 Batten disease. Read about the study. 


Philanthropists give £1m for Moorfields eye health centre


Moorfields Eye Charity has received a £1million donation from the Schroder Foundation and Family towards a  new integrated centre for advancing eye health, which is due to open in 2027.  


England Men's VI squad to take on Australia


England Men's Visually Impaired (VI) squad hope to retain the multi-format Ashes series when they face Australia this month. 


At a glance

  • ABDO has secured HEE funding for 200 contact lens opticians to attend its Extended Services Day and OSCE on 16 December. Read more.
  • OSA launches new commercial arm to capitalise on emerging e-health technologies. Read more.
  • ABDO is re-running its CPD webinar on glaucoma filtering on 18 November. Register.
  • SPOKE has launched a new topic of the month on consent and vulnerable people. Read more.
  • LOCSU has promoted optometrist Fionnula Kidd to senior role.
  • Dieter Muckenhirn, co-founder of Hecht Contactlinsen GmbH, died on 5 November aged 81. More information (in German).


Policy updates


NHS reforms in England: Streeting promises failing NHS managers' pay clampdown
The health secretary Wes Streeting told the NHS Providers Annual Conference Exhibition this week that very senior managers (VSMs) in England who fail to deliver good services for patients or run up deficits in their trusts could lose their pay increases.

Mr Streeting unveiled the new pay framework for VSMs and other reforms to improve the NHS in England at an NHS Providers conference in Liverpool on 13 November.

A league table for NHS trusts is also among the 'tough NHS reforms' announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It said NHS England would perform a "no holds barred sweeping review" of performance across the country and update the league table regularly to prioritise improvements.

'Turnaround teams' made up of expert leaders will replace failing managers and turn struggling hospitals around, while high-performing providers will have "greater freedom over funding and flexibility".
 
Consultants brought in to fix ICB finances in England
HSJ says NHS England has told ICBs that missed efficiency targets to bring in consultants to turn their finances around. In August, the entire integrated care system (ICS) was £500 million behind plan.
Norfolk and Waveney is the latest ICS to join NHSE's 'investigation and intervention' regime, bringing 13 of 42 ICSs under formal oversight measures.

The ICBs have commissioned consultants such as Deloitte, PwC and PA Consulting to investigate overspending and other financial concerns in the systems.
 
Former health secretary joins DHSC Board
The government has appointed former health secretary Alan Milburn as lead non-executive member to the DHSC board. The government said Mr Milburn published the first Labour NHS 10 Year Plan in 2000 and has a proven track record in improving the NHS. Read more.
 
Pharmacies vote to reduce hours in funding protest
Nearly 100% of the independent pharmacies that participated in a National Pharmacy Association ballot have voted to limit their services until the government improves their funding.

The Association represents 6,500 community pharmacies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has a separate system), and 3,339 of them participated in the ballot. The pharmacies will cut their opening hours and stop home deliveries in the new year. 

 

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