08 April 2022

FODO member update - 8 April

This week:

• GOC consultation on the Opticians Act - get involved!
• PPE portal: how to order Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Supporting colleagues during Ramadan 
• Registering with the MHRA 
• College consultation on expanding scope of practice 
• Pocketbook of primary healthcare for children and adolescents 
• CQC seeks ophthalmologist specialist adviser 
• Other sector news

GOC consultation on the Opticians Act - get involved!

Thank you to all members who have shared views following our response to the GOC call for evidence on the Opticians Act.
 
As part of member engagement on this vitally important GOC consultation. We are arranging online member meetings to discuss the issues it raises. Please email [email protected] to take part. We will organise as many meetings as necessary so that everyone who wishes to can take part. 

PPE portal: how to order Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)

This is a reminder for members in England that the DHSC PPE portal will close on 26 April. The new portal is now live, and you should receive an invitation to join the platform from [email protected]. Learn more. 

Supporting colleagues during Ramadan

NHS England has shared the following advice and support, which members might find useful:

• Guidance from the NHS Muslim network which raises awareness of key advice relating to Muslim colleagues who may be fasting during Ramadan.
• Covid-19 vaccination Ramadan toolkit, including advice, resources, and links for further information to help build confidence, reduce barriers to access, and support vaccination uptake during Ramadan.

Registering with the MHRA

Providers that glaze new products must be registered with the MHRA. Members have reported difficulties in recent months with the MHRA registration process. In response, FODO has worked with optical sector partners to update guidance for assemblers of spectacles to register with the MHRA. You can now access this at FODO.com. 

College consultation on expanding scope of practice

The College of Optometrists is seeking feedback on developing "key principles for the safe expansion of scope of practice when providing new eye care related clinical procedures, activities or services". Learn more and take part before 18 April. 

Pocketbook of primary healthcare for children and adolescents

The World Health Organization has published a new guide to help primary care providers manage common conditions in children and adolescents, including eye and hearing health problems. 

CQC seeks ophthalmologist specialist adviser

The CQC is working with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) to recruit a specialist adviser. RCOphth said CQC's inspection would focus more on surgical sub-specialities, including "continuous monitoring of key metrics supported by a more detailed review (deep dive) when concerns are raised. Should the deep dive fail to allay concerns, then a focused inspection may follow". Learn more. 

Other sector news

100% Optical takes place at London's ExCel on 23-25 April.  

Get involved in Aston University research on the diagnosis and management of dry eye in primary care settings.

College of Optometrists confirms the Optometry Tomorrow conference will take place in Telford on 19-20 June.

RCOphth responds to NICE's recommendation that selective laser therapy can be used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Glaucoma UK has launched a campaign to support people with glaucoma called Make eye drops part of your Ramadan routine.

PSA blog looks at the benefits of an accredited register for vision rehabilitation professionals