05 March 2021

Member update - 5 March

This week:

• OFNC statement - NHS England rejects support proposal for struggling practices
• Budget 2021
• World Glaucoma week 7-13 March
• AMD Commissioning guidance consultation
• Audiology update - World Hearing Day
• Non-executive director opportunities at PES
• Other eye care news

OFNC statement - NHS England rejects support proposal for struggling practices

Today the OFNC published a statement confirming that NHS England says no further Covid-19 financial support will be made available to practices at present. Read the full OFNC statement. 

Budget 2021

On 3 March, we welcomed the news that Coronavirus furlough and self-employment support schemes for businesses would continue. We also welcomed the new UK-wide Help to Grow scheme, which will provide funding for SME businesses in management training and digital. Read our Budget 2021 - key points for primary eye care.

You can now find more information on both Help to Grow Schemes. If you are interested in either scheme, as places are limited, you should:

• Register your interest in the Help to Grow management programme
• Register your interest in the Help to Grow digital programme

World Glaucoma week 7-13 March

Next week is World Glaucoma Week, the global event which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of regular eye care to detect glaucoma as early as possible. You can keep up to date by following @GlaucomaWeek. 

AMD Commissioning guidance consultation

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) is hosting a webinar to discuss its draft AMD Commissioning guidance. Learn more and register for the webinar on 8 March 2021 at 6pm. 

Audiology update - World Hearing Day

This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its long-awaited World Report on Hearing. WHO highlights the major and growing impacts of unsupported hearing loss and estimates that investing in hearing care will return $16 for each dollar invested. Read the National Community Hearing Association's statement on the World Report on Hearing. 

Non-executive director opportunities at PES

Primary Eyecare Services (PES) is seeking to appoint two new non-executive directors (NEDs).

• Remuneration is £600 per board meeting. Read the role description. 
• As a NED, you will provide independent oversight and constructive challenge. Learn more about being a NED.

Individuals with experience as a contractor or performer of eye care services, as well as senior leadership experience including financial responsibility, are encouraged to apply. 

If you are interested, request an application form from [email protected]. PES is also inviting those with an interest in the role to get in touch if they want to discuss the opportunity. The deadline for applications is 14 March. 

Other eye care news

A global spend analysis by Lenstore suggests optometrists in Japan are the highest paid, followed by Denmark and the USA.

Moorfields and the pharmaceutical giant Roche have piloted a smartphone app to test vision from home during lockdown.

The GOC has co-signed a follow-up letter to registrants thanking them for their continued efforts throughout the Covid-19 emergency.

The College of Optometrists has expanded the number of online textbooks its members can access for free, with the e-library now including BV, sports vision and anatomy of the eye.

The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) has published its March newsletter, covering the MDR, consultation on Driving Licence Directive, and health data.