07 October 2022

FODO member update – 7 October

This week:

• College publishes expanding scope of practice principles
• Royal College responds to Secretary of State's NHS
• World Sight Day - 13 October 2022
• DVLA notifiable conditions
• Medical malpractice insurance survey 
• FODO CRM switchover
• Other sector news

College publishes expanding scope of practice principles

The College of Optometrists has published new guidance to help optometrists expand their practice scope. The advice comprises eight domains that optometrists can consider when advancing their careers, including training and competence, legal frameworks and insurance. Learn more. 

Royal College responds to Secretary of State's NHS plan

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has responded to a plan by Dr Therese Coffey, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to improve patient experience in England.
 
The College acknowledges that ophthalmology services across England continue to face capacity challenges, with over 643,000 patients waiting for treatments "almost 10% of the entire NHS backlog". The College said that "average ophthalmology waiting times are well over two months and just 64% of patients are being seen within the 18-week standard." It also shares innovative models of care that have had a meaningful impact on patient outcomes, including high-flow cataract hubs. Read the full article. 

World Sight Day - 13 October 2022

World Sight Day is on 13 October and will focus the world's attention on the importance of eye care that is inclusive and affordable to everyone, everywhere. The event will show why it is important to #LoveYourEyes
 
FODO's David Hewlett, who is also President of the European Coalition for Vision, said "World Sight Day is a global opportunity for all eye care professionals to highlight the important work they do and encourage people to have their sight tested regularly. Each year FODO members provide over 18 million eye examinations and offer a wide range of other eye care services across the UK. We encourage all our members to promote the day, what it stands for, and the crucial part they play in protecting and improving sight." 

DVLA notifiable conditions

Thank you to members who recently raised concerns about a list of DVLA notifiable eye conditions posted on the DVLA website.
 
The list had suggested that people with drusen and other very common eye conditions should inform the DVLA.
 
While the list had been published without consultation earlier this year, it had not been brought to the attention of all sector bodies until 6 October. The College of Optometrists, supported by the other optical bodies, raised concerns about the list on the same day. This, in addition to previous complaints, resulted in the DVLA agreeing to remove and review the list of conditions.
 
FODO, with sector partners, will ask colleagues at the DVLA to notify the sector before changes such as those proposed so that we can work together to avoid confusion and risk in the future.

Thank you again to the members who brought this to our attention. 

Medical malpractice insurance survey

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is running a survey to gather healthcare professionals' perspectives on clinical negligence insurance cover. 
 
This survey builds on a previous DHSC consultation about clinical negligence cover in 2018. Members can read our response to that consultation here.
 
If you wish to take part in the latest DHSC survey then follow this link.
 
Members can find information on FODO's medical malpractice insurance on the website. In addition, we are always on hand to answer member questions about FODO's cover.  Just email us at [email protected] 

FODO CRM switchover

FODO is switching over to a new customer relationship management (CRM) system.
 
For security reasons, we do not store member login details. So, from 10 October, we will ask you to reset your password to continue using the FODO site.
 
Please log in to the website from Monday and reset your password at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. 

Other sector news

Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) seeks optometrists to volunteer at its regional clinics.
 
The government said it would cut red tape for thousands of growing businesses by classifying more businesses as SMEs. Read more.
 
DHSC has asked NICE to conduct an appraisal of Netarsudil-latanoprost for previously treated open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. We will update members on the outcome in due course.
 
Read about a new study exploring retraining the eyes following vision loss due to a stroke.
 
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have announced the first in a series of online events supporting their dry eye disease education initiative.
 
Learn about gene research into inherited retinal dystrophies.