10 October 2025

FODO member update – 10 October

This week:

• World Site Day roundup
• Improved opportunities for cataract surgery training
• At a glance
• Health policy

World Site Day

World Sight Day, 9 October, roundup

• The BBC reported on a woman who wished she had visited her optician sooner to prevent her sight loss. Raymond Curran, the Department of Health's head of ophthalmic services, told the BBC that primary care optometrists should be the first port of call for eyes, as GPs are experiencing capacity issues.
• David Hewlett, FODO director of policy and strategy, said: "World Sight Day is an important occasion to raise awareness globally of looking after your eye health, which FODO fully supports. Everyone should love their eyes and go for regular sight tests, as advised by their eye health professional. This is particularly important as we are living longer and are therefore more vulnerable to irreversible sight loss."
• The European Council of Optometry and Optics published The Blue Book 2025. It includes comparative data on the number of opticians and optometrists in 27 countries, as well as their responsibilities.The detailed report shows how optometry in the UK continues to lead other nations in scope of practice.Read more @Clarity.
• Vision Care for Homeless People has announced it will be known simply as Vision Care.The new strapline, 'for people affected by homelessness', will reflect the charity's mission to champion the right to sight for everyone who is affected by homelessness.

Improved opportunities for cataract surgery training

A new report from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) has shown an increase in opportunities for ophthalmology resident doctors to get cataract surgery training from independent sector providers (ISPs). Read more @Clarity.

At a glance

• RNIB praises the role of optometrists in saving sight. Read more
• Simon Antrobus will become the next RNIB CEO in early 2026, succeeding Matt Stringer. Simon has been the chief executive of BBC Children in Need since November 2016. Read more
• ABDO reports on the Institute of Optometry (IoO) - historically the London Refraction Hospital - closing down after over 100 years serving the community
• RCOphth has announced its support for theUK National Eye Health and Hearing Study (UKNEHS). Read more.

Health policy news

• RCOphth repeats call for differential tariffs
  
  The latest RCOphth policy roundup describes how the College is keen for NHS England to introduce a differential tariff between independent sector and NHS providers delivering NHS cataract surgery.
  
  The College states that it also met with NHS England officials to discuss "ongoing commissioning challenges" and the potential of the 10 Year Plan to deliver neighbourhood ophthalmology.
• Ophthalmology waiting times continue improving
  
  The latest RTT data for England shows that in August, 7.41million people were waiting for a consultant appointment, up from 7.36 million in May. Dr Francesca Cavallaro of the Health Foundation think tank told the BBC that, based on current trends, the government would fall short on its pledge. In more positive news for the government, ophthalmology remains one of the most responsive specialities, with almost 70% of patients now seen within the 18-week target.
  
  
• PSA updates right-touch regulation
  
  The PSA has updated its right-touch regulation, first published in 2010 and revised in 2015. The oversight body said the core principles remain the same, including: "Proportionate: regulators should only intervene when necessary. Remedies should be appropriate to the risk posed, and costs identified and minimised." However, the PSA has expanded on areas and provided more clarity, including the fact that agility and collaboration are more essential than ever in addressing these issues.
  
  
• NHS Confederation and NHS Providers confirm plan to merge
  
  The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers have confirmed their intention to merge, subject to a final decision on 29 October. Based on the latest accounts filed with the Charities Commission, the combined income of both charities exceeds £30 million per year, with £13.7 million from government sources and the remaining income raised from NHS bodies and other sources. The merger announcement comes at a time when significant funders, such as NHS England, NHS trusts and ICBs, must cut costs.
  
  While continuing to diversify its portfolio, the NHS Confederation announced it was partnering with Primary Eyecare Services (PES) to raise awareness about the benefits of enhanced eye care services. Read more @Clarity.