18 July 2025

FODO member update – 18 July

This week:

• Primary care on the high street has a role to play in 10 Year Health Plan, says Streeting
• Meta invests in EssilorLuxottica
• NHS proposes significant cut to cataract tariffs
• Vital tool to support children with sight loss
• GOC extends funding for SPOKE
• At a glance
• Health policy

Primary care on the high street has a role to play in 10 Year Health Plan, says Streeting

Wes Streeting told the Health and Social Care Committee this week that he would work with independent providers, such as Boots and Specsavers, within NHS-led neighbourhood health services. Read more. 

Meta invests in EssilorLuxottica

Bloomberg reports that Meta (the parent company of Facebook) has acquired just under 3% of EssilorLuxottica. Shares in EssilorLuxottica, which includes Vision Express and other well-known UK brands, increased by more than 5% on the news. Read more. 

NHS proposes significant cut to cataract tariffs

NHS England is proposing significant cuts to cataract tariffs, which would result in reduced funding for cataract surgery and increased funding for other ophthalmology tariffs. Read more. 

Vital tool to support children with sight loss

FODO and other sector bodies have endorsed Guide Dogs' Eye care support pathway for children and young people with vision impairment. Read more. 

GOC extends funding for SPOKE

The GOC has announced a three-year extension of the Knowledge Hub to support the implementation of the new Education and Training Requirements (ETR). Sector Partnership for Optical Education (SPOKE) will continue to operate The Hub until July 2028. SPOKE will focus on providing practical materials and support to enable qualification providers to successfully implement the ETR as the first student cohorts move towards graduation. Read more. 

At a glance

• The Ophthalmologist covers how screen time is driving a 'dry eye epidemic'
• In case you missed it, read Clarity to catch up on NHS proposals to cut the cataract tariff
• College of Optometrists launches new virtual reality tool allowing museum visitors to try on historical frames. Read more
• World Council of Optometry has published its annual report. It includes achievements across global advocacy, education, and collaboration
• BBC reports on safety investigation in Shropshire after a serious incident in its eye department
• Read the OCCS annual report
• Optician reports on researchers at University College London have identified that eye clinics in shopping centres could reduce waiting times for routine eye appointments
• ASDA and Specsavers named in top 50 apprenticeship employers
• ABDO reports on a study that indicates eye scans might help identify markers for Alzheimer's disease.

Health policy

• NHS England has commissioned RAND Europe to conduct a qualitative evaluation of some clinical services provided in community pharmacies under the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework five-year deal (2019-2024). The review highlights funding pressures on pharmacies and the robust service user demand for the convenience and timeliness of clinical services offered at community pharmacies.
• NHS England has updated the NHS Accessible Information Standard (AIS). The RNIB has published this short guide on what has changed. The FODO Clinical Committee will review the optical sector's existing AIS guidance and work with sector partners to assess if any updates are required.
• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists shares its reflections on the 10 Year Health Plan.