17 October 2025

FODO member update – 17 October

This week:

• UK study finds ‘widespread hidden sensory loss'
• Wales announces optometry contract uplift
• FODO joins Royal Charter event
• Vacancies on the GOC Advisory Panel
• NHS England repeats cybersecurity webinar
• At a glance
• Health policy news

UK study finds 'widespread hidden sensory loss'

The UK National Eye-Health and Hearing Study pilot has revealed high levels of undetected vision and hearing impairment in the over-50s.

FODO attended a national meeting last week to discuss details of the pilot phase and proposals for a wider study to update the nation's eye health and hearing data and inform policy. Read more in Clarity.

Wales announces optometry contract uplift

The Welsh Government has announced an uplift of approximately £3 million to the WGOS contract, describing the agreement as "a significant investment in the future of optometry care". 

Judy Misra, chief executive of Optometry Wales, told Clarity: "This agreement represents a positive step forward for community eye care in Wales and recognises the vital role our profession plays in delivering high-quality, accessible services closer to home."  

FODO joins Royal Charter event

The College of Optometrists presented Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with an honorary fellowship for her contribution to eye health at a reception celebrating 30 years of its Royal Charter.
 
Sarah Joyce, FODO Group's chair, represented the organisation at the reception. She said: "Listening to [the Duchess] speak about the difference we all make to so many, especially children, is so true. We need to continue to raise the profile of primary care optometry and the importance of eye health, to improve access to care and reduce avoidable sight loss." Read more. 

Vacancies on the GOC Advisory Panel

The GOC is looking for three new part-time members - two business registrants and one dispensing optician - for its Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

The panel's four committees advise the council on matters ranging from business registrants to optical training, education and assessment, registration, and standards of conduct.

Visit the GOC website for more information on pay, the expected commitment and how to apply. The deadline for applications is 9 November. 

NHS England repeats cybersecurity webinar

Growing interest has prompted NHS England and the City of London Police Cyber Griffin team to host another free cybersecurity webinar for people working in optometry practices and other primary care organisations, following one in September.
 
Session 1, which explains the steps organisations should take to mitigate real-world cybersecurity threats, will be held on 23 October from 5pm to 6.30pm. Learn more. 

At a glance

• University of Liverpool researchers secure £2.4 million award to develop keratoconus treatment. Read more
• A new report from the IAPB (International Alliance for the Prevention of Blindness) analyses the economic benefits of supporting eye health. Read more
• ABDO reports on its recent Eyes on Sustainability conference in Leicester and  clinical conference in Birmingham.
• FODO explores key messages about eye care in its party conferences round-up. Read more in Clarity.
• The BBC reports on patients left in limbo after clinic closure. Read more
• An independent practice offers free eye tests for people without housing, OT reports.

Health policy news

No plans for wider advice and guidance funding:

Health minister Karin Smyth said the Department of Health and Social Care had no plans to introduce funding for Advice and Guidance Enhanced Services for optometry, pharmacy or dental practices. Advice and Guidance allows primary care clinicians to seek expert advice from secondary care specialists.

Answering a parliamentary question from Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, she said: "Most referrals to specialist services come from GPs, who have a primary role in the management of patient health and care in the community." Read more.

Care minister Stephen Kinnock, writing in GPonline, described the Advice and Guidance service as a "common sense" approach. "Patients get answers quickly, instead of being bounced around a maze of departments. It means fewer wasted journeys, fewer cancelled appointments, and fewer people left in limbo," he said. 

Other policy news

• NHS England figures showed the waiting list for elective care rose for a third month in August, to 7.41 million waits, of which 593,646 were for ophthalmology treatment.
• Ministers have drawn up proposals to avoid US tariffs by increasing the amount the NHS pays for medicines. The plan includes raising the NICE cost-effectiveness threshold by 25%, Politico reports.
• A new report from NHS Providers and PA Consulting suggests improved capital investment and "working with local authorities to regenerate high streets and bring services closer to patients". Read more.