01 April 2022

FODO member update - 1 April

This week:

• Important IPC update - Scotland
• College updates guidance on Covid testing
• OS seeks independent representatives
• GOC call for evidence on the Opticians Act
• FODO welcomes BLM and Clyde & Co merger
• EUROMCONTACT - 2021 market data report
• The New Optometrist
• Public satisfaction with the NHS falls
• Other sector news

Important IPC update - Scotland

The Scottish Government has said that "the requirement for physical distancing within all healthcare settings (excluding residential social care) has been removed with immediate effect". Read DL(2022)07.
 
It has also confirmed that the Scottish Winter (21/22) Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Addendum guidance will be updated today, 1 April 2022, to reflect the changes outlined in DL(2022)07.
 
Please also continue to visit the Eyes.Scot website for links to key Covid-19 related guidance and information in Scotland. 

College updates guidance on Covid testing

Since our member update yesterday, the College of Optometrists has updated its guidance on testing in England. View this link on the College FAQs and click on 'I have been identified as a contact of a Covid-19 case - what should I do?' 

OS seeks independent representatives

Optometry Scotland (OS) is seeking applicants for independent representatives to be appointed on the Council and Executive Committee teams. Learn more and apply by 22 April. 

GOC call for evidence on the Opticians Act

The GOC has launched a 16-week call for evidence on the Opticians Act and consultation on associated GOC policies. Learn more and read FODO's response to the consultation announcement. 

FODO welcomes BLM and Clyde & Co merger

FODO has worked with BLM and Clyde & Co over many years to successfully support and defend members on a wide range of issues. This long-standing partnership has meant that BLM, Clyde & Co, and FODO have a first-class record in supporting eye and hearing care members across the UK and Ireland.
 
FODO welcomes the news that BLM and Clyde & Co are merging, as this will combine their expertise and further strengthen the offering for all FODO members.
 
Alan Tinger, FODO's director of regulatory affairs, said, "FODO company and individual members who have unfortunately been subject to fitness to practise proceedings are very much aware of the expertise, professionalism and vast experience of the BLM team and Clyde & Co whom we work with so closely. The merger can only strengthen and enhance the offering. We very much value the experience both firms bring from the wider health regulatory and insurance worlds."

EUROMCONTACT - 2021 market data report

EUROMCONTACT has released market data for 2021 for over 21 million CL users across 34 countries. It shows that 56% use daily disposables, 43.9% weekly/biweekly and monthly replacement lenses, and 0.07% use conventional soft lenses. Read more.  

The New Optometrist

The team managing The Ophthalmologist has launched The New Optometrist. The new magazine's publisher says, "it recognises the increasingly important role of optometrists in eyecare and provides a forum for all optometrists to exchange opinions and ideas". 

Public satisfaction with the NHS falls

The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey has asked the public about their views on health and care services in England, Scotland and Wales. The BSA found:

• 17% decrease in satisfaction with the NHS since 2020. It leaves overall satisfaction at just 36%, its lowest since 1997
• This was seen across all ages, income groups and different political affiliations
• Major drivers of dissatisfaction were access to GP and hospital appointments, staff shortages and concerns about a lack of funding
• Main reasons for satisfaction were the NHS being free at the point of use, quality of care and the range of services.

The King's Fund and Nuffield Trust jointly sponsored the 2021 BSA. Access full results. 

Other sector news

 Apply for the prestigious Glaucoma UK Ophthalmology Research Award 2022
 
Independent chain Bayfields shares its expansion plan.
 
College initial response to GOC consultation on the Opticians Act.
 
Children living in social deprivation could be at greater risk of amblyopia. Read more.
 
Researchers are applying lessons learned during OCT development to help robots and cars 'see better'. Read more.

NICE has published its final scope and equality impact assessment Diabetic retinopathy: management and monitoring. Read more.