28 October 2022

FODO member update – 28 October

This week:

• Get involved - FODO's principles for primary eye care
• Complete your renewal form on the new CRM
• New GOS contract applications in England
• Healthcare leadership confirmed
• LOCSU promotes leadership programme
• Warnings of financial pressures for NHS England
• Other sector news

Get involved - FODO's principles for primary eye care

FODO has worked with members in recent months to create principles for primary eye care. We are now inviting all members to get involved and share their thoughts on eye care across the UK and priorities for FODO in the years ahead. To get involved and share your views, email us at [email protected] 

Complete your renewal form on the new CRM

Company members are reminded to log into the new CRM and check your FTE form, make any amends, and then submit it so that we can prepare your insurance cover for 2023. If you have any questions or need help navigating the new online system, please get in touch. 

New GOS contract applications in England

NHSBSA has told us that they are experiencing technical problems with their inbox for communications on applications. Until further notice, [email protected] is the email address to use. 

Healthcare leadership confirmed

In England, Steve Barclay has been re-appointed as health and social care secretary. Will Quince will retain his role as health minister and Helen Whately has also been made a minister in DHSC. 

LOCSU promotes leadership programme

Applications for next year's LOCSU Leadership Skills for Optical Professionals have opened. Learn more and apply before 5 December. 

Warnings of financial pressures for NHS England

The HSJ reports that NHS England faces a significant multiyear funding squeeze for the first time in more than 70 years. Given inflation and planned NHS expenditure, the journal reports that in the worst case, the NHS in England might need to find £20bn in savings by 2024-25. 

Other sector news

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists President, Professor Bernie Chang, reflects on the State of the UK's Eye Health 2022 report. He highlights that: "Community optometry has the clinical skills and diagnostic technology in place to detect and manage glaucoma."
 
Healthcare providers in Manchester have launched the Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board website. The site will help 1,800 providers and 22,000 primary care workers access the information and resources they need to deliver care locally.
 
The HSJ awarded Moorfields Eye Hospital the Virtual or Remote Care Initiative of the Year for its Home Vision Monitor at the Patient Safety Awards 2022.
 
The OSA has published its Sustainability and Green Charter.
 
NEI-funded researchers have found direct evidence that Stargardt-related ABCA4 gene mutations affect a layer of cells in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
 
The merger of NHS Digital with NHS England will occur sooner than planned in January 2023. Read more.
 
BBC In Touch covers system challenges and opportunities. Listen from 6min 25 seconds.