20 February 2026

FODO member update – 20 February

This week:

• RTT figures show ophthalmology continues recovery in England
• Wales ophthalmology in the spotlight
• New deadline for contact lens labelling
• NHS to repeat cybersecurity webinars
• GOC signs joint statement on AI in healthcare education
• Studies look at link between tattoos and uveitis
• 100% Optical
• At a glance
• Health policy news

RTT figures show ophthalmology continues recovery in England

Ophthalmology remains one of the better-performing consultant-led elective care specialities, according to the latest NHS England statistics on referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times.
 
Despite handling high volumes, more than 70% of ophthalmology pathways are completed within 18 weeks. While well below the 92% NHS constitution standard, ophthalmology has consistently improved since 2023 and is now performing better than the average rate of 61.5%. View the NHSE dashboard.
 
Ophthalmology accounts for 8% of the 7.29 million incomplete pathways to see a consultant in England, down from 2023 when it accounted for 10% of all waits. 

Wales ophthalmology in the spotlight

Next week, the Senedd will debate the state of ophthalmology, following an inquiry that found that long waits for hospital services were putting patients at risk of sight loss.

The health and social care committee inquiry, which made detailed recommendations for improvements, also recognised primary care optometry's positive contribution to reducing pressure on secondary care. Read more in Clarity. 

New deadline for contact lens labelling

As members will know, the EU is introducing a new Unique Device Identifier (UDI) system for medical devices. Given the complexity of supply chains, the UK government is likely to follow the same system. Therefore, you might be interested in EuromContact's updated guest article and factsheet, following the updated timeline for the EU's Master Unique Identifier (MUDI) labelling requirements for contact lenses. 

NHS to repeat cybersecurity webinars

High demand has prompted NHS England and the City of London Police's Cyber Griffin team to repeat their two-part cybersecurity webinar for people working in optometry practices and other primary care organisations. The two sessions will explain the steps organisations should take to mitigate real-world cybersecurity threats:
 
Part A takes place on 19 March from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Part B takes place on 14 April from 2pm to 3.30pm.
 
For further information, please contact [email protected]. 

GOC signs joint statement on AI in healthcare education

The GOC has issued a joint statement on principles regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and training. It joins the General Osteopathic Council, the Health and Care Professions Council, the General Pharmaceutical Council, the General Chiropractic Council and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The principles outline responsibilities for accountability, academic integrity, the development of AI literacy for staff and learners, and preparation for future practice. Read more. 

Studies look at link between tattoos and uveitis

An Australian study has found a rise in the incidence of tattoo-associated uveitis (TAU), an allergic response to certain tattoo inks. While the condition remains rare, the authors warn it has become increasingly common in a population where 25% of people have tattoos. Read more. 

100% Optical

The 100% Optical event will take place at London's Excel from 28 February to 2 March. FODO will join ABDO, The College of Optometrists and OSA on Sunday at the OSA stand. Team members will also attend on Monday. If you would like to meet, please email [email protected]. 

At a glance

• The Optical Women's Association (OWA) is hoping to 'connect, inspire and lead' at 100% Optical next weekend, ABDO reports.
• Jenni Minto, Scotland's minister for public health and women's health, visited the optometry programme at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
• Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith visited a Kidderminster optical lab during National Apprenticeship Week. Read more.
• Deafblind UK and Deafblind Scotland launched the National Usher Syndrome Helpline, which will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm. Read more.
• Fight for Sight is funding the next phases of stem cell research to grow retinal organoids, accelerating progress in treating eye disease.
• Specsavers and the University of Birmingham have teamed up for a study into the effect of weight loss drugs on idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Read more in Clarity.
• NHS Lothian has appointed a contractor to build its new Eye Hospital, which will replace the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion (PAEP) in Edinburgh, reports Midlothian View.
• Ahead of the elections, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have published a manifesto calling on the next government to invest more in eyecare infrastructure. Read more.
• Star-studded cast voices Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to mark 90 years of RNIB's Talking Books. Read more.

Health policy news

NHS England expands independent sector provision

NHS England must boost private-sector involvement in diagnostic testing by about 30% to meet targets for diagnostic waiting times, reports the Health Service Journal.
It estimates that the health service must provide nine million additional diagnostic tests and procedures over three years to ensure no more than 1% of patients wait over six weeks.

Earlier this month, NHS England reported the overall consultant-led care waiting list fell to 7.29 million pathways in December, the lowest since 2023, equating to around 6.2 million patients. More than 18 million NHS treatments were delivered last year.

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) stressed that it involved a huge effort, including from the independent sector. In a statement on its website, it said: "Independent providers continue to stand ready to support the NHS in reducing waits and restoring performance, and with the sector removing a record 1.6 million people from NHS waiting lists, this contribution will remain vital as the system navigates the next phase of recovery." Read more.
 
King's Fund discusses doubling of UK health spending forecast

The Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) expects UK health spending to roughly double over the next 50 years to around 14-15% of GDP, driven by demographic change, chronic illnesses, higher relative prices for labour-intensive care, more expensive technologies and rising expectations, reports The King's Fund.

The King's Fund states: "The UK will be spending £1 in every £7 of its national wealth on health." It argues that it is not a uniquely alarming trajectory when compared internationally, but highlights the need for reforms to improve productivity, prevention and service design.

Author Sarah Arnold, the Fund's head of responsive policy and public affairs, emphasised that higher spending alone will not guarantee better outcomes and warned that trying to hold health spending down too far could result in worse access, quality and equity, rather than genuinely saving money elsewhere in the economy.

Read the complete article.

Minister praises national sight testing service benefits

Health minister Stephen Kinnock has once again highlighted the vital role NHS sight tests play in the early detection of glaucoma. When Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP, asked what action had been taken to expand ophthalmology capacity, he also said that ICBs could commission more "community-based glaucoma services, which support earlier identification, ongoing monitoring and management, helping to prevent avoidable sight loss". He went on to say that he hoped using a Single Point of Access would speed up referrals, and that forthcoming Getting It Right First Time glaucoma guidance might help improve current issues in the hospital eye service.