24 March 2023

FODO member update – 24 March

This week:

• FODO member feedback - GOS fees England
• New vouchers at a glance - England
• Eye care delays continue to cause avoidable sight loss
• GOC responds to call for evidence
• GOC launches 2023 registrant workforce and perceptions survey
• Eye care reforms in Wales
• Other sector news

FODO member feedback - GOS fees England

The OFNC has confirmed that GOS sight test fees and pre-registration grants in England will increase by 4.5% from 1 April 2023. This follows an earlier OFNC announcement that GOS3 will increase by 4.5%.

In total, we estimate this will provide an additional £24 million in NHS funding per year for core primary eye care. FODO members provide more than 80% of all GOS-funded care in England, and as a key OFNC member, we seek member feedback on this latest news about 2023/24 fees. Please email your views and questions to [email protected]. 

New vouchers at a glance - England

We have updated vouchers at a glance for 1 April 2023, when payments will increase by 4.5%. You can access the new version on fodo.com.
 
FODO members who would like a hard copy of the new vouchers at a glance should complete this form. 

Eye care delays continue to cause avoidable sight loss

Following a freedom of information request initiated by the AOP, the Guardian and other media outlets have reported on increased sight loss due to delays in care.
 
The College of Optometrists has published a statement on this.
 
As FODO members will know from our consultation on principles and priorities for primary eye care, the longstanding issue of avoidable sight loss due to delays in care has previously been raised by ophthalmology colleagues and the HSIB. FODO is committed to working with patient groups and other stakeholders to prevent patients from suffering severe or permanent sight loss because of delays in care at any point in the pathway.

If you would like to help FODO's policy team with this work, please email [email protected]  

GOC responds to call for evidence

The GOC has now analysed feedback to its call for evidence on the Opticians Act, including FODO's detailed, evidence-based response.
 
The GOC Council has decided the following:

• The evidence does not justify changing legislation on testing of sight. However, the GOC will, as proposed by FODO and other stakeholders, "revisit its 2013 policy statement so that it reflects contemporary practice, taking account of technological developments".

• To consult on a new framework for business regulation that would extend regulation to all businesses carrying out restricted activities - something FODO members support.

• To take a pragmatic and evidence-based approach where possible by progressing on key areas by reviewing standards without legislative reform. For example, including dispensing to vulnerable patients and using technology in optical services. Again, this is consistent with FODO's evidence-based submission to the GOC consultation.

The FODO policy team is now analysing all GOC proposals and new research the GOC commissioned. We will update members on any important detail. If you have questions about this work, please email [email protected]. 

GOC launches 2023 registrant workforce and perceptions survey

The GOC has launched its Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey to understand registrant views on CPD and the GOC. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and there is a prize draw to win a £100 online gift card for participating. Take part. 

Eye care reforms in Wales

Members in Wales continue to approach FODO for updates on GOS reforms.
 
We appreciate that members want to prepare for any transition to the new contract but, at this stage, do not have detailed information on the next steps from the Welsh Government (WG) and Optometry Wales (OW).
 
Colleagues at OW continue to work with WG and will update the sector as soon as possible. However, please note:

• OW approved our 18 November 2022 update, confirming primary eye care providers did not need to plan for more optometrist time to be assigned to the new Level 1 and 2 GOS contract.
• We have shared all FODO member feedback with OW about there being no support for cutting patient benefits and the significant risks posed to domiciliary provision. Other UK optical bodies have shared similar concerns. Please be assured OW and WG is aware of these and other matters raised.

If you have any other feedback or questions, please email [email protected], and we will share this with colleagues at OW. 

Other sector news

• NHS England's primary care bulletin celebrated World Optometry Day on 23 March, sharing World Council of Optometry resources to promote the day and the importance of eye health.

• The GOC Council met on 22 March to discuss its proposed programme of legislative reform, 2023/24 budget and external business plan, and communication strategy. Read more.

• The PSA has published its review of the GOC's performance in 2021/22. The GOC met 18 out of the 18 Standards. 

• Free CPD for colleagues in Wales. Optometry Wales is hosting CPD on Optic Neuritis, presented by Hugh Jewsbury, consultant ophthalmologist. This will take place online on 29 March at 6.30pm. Places are reserved on a first-come first-served basis. Register before the event is fully booked.

• BCLA members are invited to register for a webinar on technologies used in everyday practice, with a special emphasis on contact lens fitting. The webinar with speakers Brian Tompkins and David Berkow is at 6.30pm on 19 April.

• BBC reports on eyedrops recalled in the US following concerns about blindness and injuries.

• RNIB calls for urgent funding to improve educational support for vision impairment children.