22 May 2023

FODO member update – 22 May

This week:

• Wales update
• Eye news - England
• Speaking up guidance
• Other news
• Health policy updates

Wales update

Following our April statement on primary eye care reforms in Wales, many members have contacted us to share feedback, and ask for guidance and support.
 
Our latest update covers long waits for ophthalmology, the need for more detail on proposed reforms, action we will take on behalf of domiciliary eye care providers and how members can learn more about the economics underpinning reforms.  
 
Read our latest statement. 

Eye news - England

In the latest Westminster debate on an Eye Health: National Strategy, 
Marsha De Cordova, chair of the APPG on health and visual impairment, reiterated her call to action to improve access to timely eye care for all.
 
GIRFT consultation opens, seeking feedback on patient follow-ups in ophthalmology.
 
NHS networks and the Optician report on Principles and priorities for primary eye care.
 
College of Optometrists has provided oral evidence to the House of Lords. Read more.
 
Louisa Wickham, national clinical director for eyecare NHS England, has issued this correspondence (here and here) containing information about an opportunity to apply for revenue funding in this financial year to support existing eyecare transformation schemes - one per ICS level - in England to build the evidence base. The submission deadline is 1 June 2023.  

Speaking up guidance

At FODO, we sometimes receive anonymous correspondence without any supporting evidence about a concern covering a sector-specific issue.
 
We take such reports seriously, but in most cases, remaining anonymous makes it difficult for any organisation to get to the bottom of reported concerns.
 
At FODO we fully support the GOC's speaking up guidance, which helps all registrants speak up. If you have or are considering raising a concern, please read the GOC guidance. It is a helpful guide and explains the disadvantages of anonymously raising a concern. 

Other news

• ABDO responds to Welsh reforms
• Richard Smith was appointed chairman of the ACLM on 15 May 2023. He is currently head of professional services EMEA/Canada at Bausch + Lomb and represents the company as a board member at EUROMCONTACT
• World Council of Optometry publishes new tool to help diagnose and treat dry eye
• West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership reports on all things eye care
• SPOKE releases third project
• LOCSU clinical director presents Optometry First to European countries.
• How AI can classify retinal vascular diseases. Read more.

Health policy updates

DHSC recently consulted on reforms to GMC regulations. While some of the proposals will apply universally to all healthcare regulators, the consultation was weighted towards regulating anaesthesia associates and physician associates.
FODO decided not to respond after analysing the consultation and our previous feedback on regulatory reform and seeking legal advice. We will monitor for follow-up consultations, which will be more applicable to potential changes to the way the GOC regulates in practice.
 
DHSC has published is primary care recovery plan, focusing on GP pressures. Healthwatch explains what the GP primary care recovery plan means for patients. It mentions how people with hearing loss will be able to self-refer for care, improving access while reducing pressure on GPs.
 
HSJ reports NHS England's primary care support contract ends in 2025. Capita currently manages the contract. The HSJ said NHS England had "started work on how it should be supplied from that point onwards".
 
The Guardian reports on the BMJ warning that AI poses a risk to health. Read more.