14 October 2022

FODO member update – 14 October

This week:

• NOC conference a success
• State of the nation report
• National TV advert raises awareness of macular disease
• WHO publishes new report on effective eye care coverage
• NHS England updates staff respect materials for eye care
• Eye-care sector calls for digital imaging standardisation
• In Plain Sight exhibition opens on 20 October
• NAO publishes report and data on ICSs
• GOS paper claims - Royal Mail strike action
• Other sector news

NOC conference a success

This week primary eye care leaders across England (national and local) came together for the first time in three years at the National Optical Conference (NOC) in Leeds.
 
The aim was to discuss and plan for the opportunities and challenges brought about by England's new NHS commissioning and planning structures. Louisa Wickham, NHS England's director of eye care and consultant ophthalmologist, gave a keynote speech. She called on the eye care sector to tackle system challenges together.
 
David Hewlett, FODO and LOCSU director, said: "This was a great reboot after Covid and the best NOC we have had for some years. There was a tremendous buzz of energy and enthusiasm among all delegates for meeting the tasks ahead as a united profession. It was pleasing to see many new faces attending for the first time and stepping up to embrace new roles. LOCSU has a heavy work programme of support to deliver for LOCs and PECs in the coming years and Leeds provided the ideal high-octane launch pad for that." 

State of the nation report

Specsavers published its latest State of the UK's eye health 2022 report this week. It reports senior ophthalmologists' views that "waiting lists for key treatments are the longest they have ever been" and refers to "'a tidal wave' of avoidable blindness".
 
The report includes data showing that glaucoma accounts for more than 20% of hospital eye care appointments and that sight loss will cost the UK £2.5bn more between 2021 and 2024 following the impact of the pandemic.
 
You can watch a video of the event below. 

National TV advert raises awareness of macular disease

The pharmaceutical company Bayer has developed and funded a TV advert to raise awareness of macular degeneration. The Macular Society supports the campaign, which will run on ITV until March. Watch the advert. 

WHO publishes new report on effective eye care coverage

A new WHO report presents estimates for effective coverage of refractive errors and cataract surgery as a reference point for nations moving towards the 2030 global targets and sustainable development goals. The report notes: "Interventions that address the needs associated with uncorrected refractive error and unoperated cataract - the two leading causes of vision impairment globally - are among the most cost-effective of all healthcare interventions to implement." It urges all countries to tackle unmet needs sustainably. 

NHS England updates staff respect materials for eye care

NHS England has shared optometry materials for optical practices to use with the aim of reducing abuse and violence against staff. To give feedback on the materials, please email [email protected].  

Eye-care sector calls for digital imaging standardisation

The eye-care sector calls for standardised imaging to streamline care and help manage the rising demand for eye-care services. Sharing a patient's records and diagnostic images digitally between all systems will "increase the ability to make a swift and efficient diagnosis and treatment decisions", reports the College of Optometrists.  

In Plain Sight exhibition opens on 20 October

An exhibition exploring how we see the world opens at the Wellcome Collection in London from 20 October until 12 February 2023. In Plain Sight explores how we view the world through art, objects, scientific and medical items, and the experiences of sighted, partially sighted and blind people. The gallery will include 'Lights Up' sessions, featuring brighter and more even lighting conditions. 

NAO publishes report and data on ICSs

A Value for Money report by the National Audit Office (NAO) on Integrated Care Systems (ICS) in England concludes that it will be challenging for the NHS in England to meet the policy's original goals. It reported that the DHSC, NHSE and partners could address this by developing national-level strategies and solutions to give ICSs time to build relationships and design services that "better meet local needs" and improve "the health and wellbeing of the populations they serve".

NOA has also launched an interactive map of England, allowing users to explore ICS data collected to inform the NAO study. With the tool, you can see measures such as efficiency targets, workforce data and the number of GPs per 100,000 population. 

GOS paper claims - Royal Mail strike action

PCSE has advised Royal Mail strikes planned for 20 and 25 October might result in delays in payment for those submitting paper GOS forms. Paper claims reaching it after the cut-off date will be processed for the following contractual payment run. 

Other sector news

Roche's 'The Eyes Have It' campaign continues next week with a Parliamentary 'Westminster Eye Health Day' on 19 October.
 
The General Optical Council is advertising tenders for research into optical businesses, patient and public views on refraction and international comparative work. The deadline for tenders is 5pm on 24 October. Learn more.
 
Wales eye care measures for NHS outpatients: August 2022.
 
Laura Wade-Gery has been appointed the new chair of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She is also the chair of NHS Digital and is said to have a passion for digital transformation.
 
Practitioner & Counter Fraud Services, Scotland. Updates.
 
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur programme is welcoming applications. Budding entrepreneurs can apply for the programme that helps bring innovations into the NHS to improve patient care. Visit the NHS CEP website.