17 April 2020

Covid-19 update primary eye care

We are open seven days a week at FODO to support you throughout the Covid-19 crisis. If you need us, contact us as usual at [email protected]. 

In this Covid-19 update: 

• New: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS): prepare before 20 April 
• New Covid-19 Urgent Eyecare Services (CUES) framework 
• For action - members in Wales 
• For action - members in Northern Ireland    

New: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) prepare before 20 April 

Following our CJRS update on 15 April, please note today the government extended the scheme by one month. CJRS will now be in place until the end of June and be kept under review. Learn more. 

The HMRC has also confirmed today that: 

• The online claim service will be launched on GOV.UK on 20 April 
• It will be an online only claim service 
• You can make a claim yourself even if you usually use an agent 
• Claims will be paid within six working days. 

Please note, to make a claim on 20 April you will also need: 

• A Government Gateway (GG) ID and password. If you do not have one, then apply now online, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'HMRC services: sign in or register' 
• To be enrolled for PAYE online. If you are not, do this now 
• The information listed in Before you make a claim. 

New: Covid-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) framework 

The NHS in England, working with LOCSU and the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning, published a Covid-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) framework today, 17 April 2020. 

LOCSU said the CUES “service is to be delivered via primary care optical practice, supported by hospital ophthalmology services, commissioned locally by CCGs”, adding virtual consultation would “allow patients to receive their consultation at home, in line with the public health guidance and the needs of patients who are self-isolating or in the high-risk vulnerable category.” Read the full LOCSU statement. 

The CUES framework includes a service delivery model, patient pathway, risk stratification table and more.       

For action – members in Wales 

The Welsh government has thanked all primary eye care providers for all that they have done to support patients in Wales during the pandemic. 

In the letter, David O’Sullivan, Chief Optometric Adviser, also requested that by Monday 20 April all practices that have closed clearly signpost patients to one or more other local practices which continue to provide eye care. 

Members providing eye care in Wales should read the letter in full.   

For action – members in Northern Ireland 

Members offering NHS eye care in Northern Ireland should read and act on our alert earlier today. Applications for the GOS financial support in Northern Ireland close at 5pm this Sunday 19 April 2020.