13 March 2026

FODO member update – 13 March

This week:

• World Glaucoma Week
• WOC calls for better access to myopia management
• Printed contact lens compendium returns 
• Scotland update on primary eye care
• At a glance
• Health policy news

World Glaucoma Week

The optical sector has marked World Glaucoma Week 2026 by reiterating the importance of regular sight checks for early glaucoma detection. The week also includes the second reading in parliament of the Glaucoma Care (England) Bill, calling for a national approach to community glaucoma testing.

Michael Guthrie, FODO's director of policy and regulation, said: "Primary care glaucoma services commissioned on a consistent basis would help reduce pressure on hospitals and help prevent avoidable sight loss. We welcome the debate on making that aspiration a reality."

Read more in Clarity. 

WOC calls for better access to myopia management

The Welsh Optometric Committee (WOC) has published a position statement on myopia management in children. It calls for Wales to adopt a myopia management policy to support its practitioners and population, including raising awareness through public health initiatives, healthcare professionals building epidemiological data to better understand myopia prevalence, and the provision of evidence-based myopia management interventions that are accessible to all. 

Printed contact lens compendium returns

The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers has announced the return of its hard-copy product compendium, answering demand from practitioners who find a printed edition easy to reference. You can order the 2026 reference guide on the ACLM website. 

Scotland update on primary eye care

NHS Scotland's directorate has published its latest PCA. It explains:

• From 1 April 2026, people on income support and job seeker's allowance will not be eligible for a GOS 3 voucher and what you should do instead
• How to claim a time-limited grant of up to £5,000 for slit lamps used by optometrists in domiciliary settings. The update states: "There are no plans in place to repeat this grant funding process in future." Therefore, we encourage domiciliary members to review this.

 Read the notice.

 
At a glance

• Chair of FODO Scotland features in OS International Women's Day report. Read more.
• PES has launched Bright Sight, a school-based NHS eye care service across Mid and South Essex, for children with learning disabilities and autism.
• The British and Irish Orthoptic Society launches a hands-on activity that allows children to explore how the eyes work, why humans have 3D vision, and how predators see the world differently.
• The AOP's Adam Sampson reflects on the education, community spirit and commercial opportunities offered by this year's 100% Optical. Read more.
• The College of Optometrists has published a Manifesto for Scotland before the Scottish Parliament elections in May. It calls on policymakers to build on the strong tradition of prioritising community eye care.  Read more in Clarity.

Health policy news

ICB restructuring not going down well
 
Research from the Health Foundation think-tank suggests a deep lack of satisfaction in the approach taken to restructuring the NHS. 'Integrated care systems in England: where next?' reveals mostly negative responses to ICB cuts and mergers, particularly the decision to cut budgets by 50%. Read the report.
 
Cautious optimism for elective care target

The Health Service Journal reports that NHS England leaders expect to almost reach the target of having 65% of people wait less than 18 weeks for elective care by March this year. This comes after a 'sprint' to the finish line, helped by independent service providers.
 
'One organisation, one membership'
 
NHS Alliance will be the new name for the combined NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which launches in April. Confederation chair Lord Victor Adebowale said the merger responded to feedback from health service leaders. "We have not come together to be bigger; we have come together to be braver, more influential, and to provide greater support to our members," he said. Read more in Clarity.