19 June 2026

FODO member update – 19 June

This week:

GOC statement on the testing of sight

As we reported in last week’s member update, the GOC Council has now published its June meeting papers, including a paper on a potential consultation on updating the GOC’s 2013 statement on the testing of sight.

The council is due to be asked at its meeting on 24 June to approve the public consultation on the updated statement and related changes to the delegation and supervision requirements in its Standards of Practice.

Our initial assessment of the GOC paper (see pages 15 to 77 of the pack) is that the consultation proposals:

Look to update the GOC’s 2013 statement on the testing of sight
As now, maintain the integrity of the sight test by not separating the eye health examination and refraction components
As now, ensure that optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners retain responsibility for conducting sight tests and issuing prescriptions, with trained members of the multi-disciplinary team who can support them safely and effectively.

Helpfully, the GOC has considered the provisions of the Opticians Act in its legal, social and technological context, which is appropriate because it ensures that regulation reflects the reality of modern healthcare delivery. This supports a regulatory approach that maintains patient safety, reflects contemporary safe and effective practice in the sector and permits future innovations that would enhance service delivery and patient care.

While the proposals do not raise any significant issues that we believe would concern members or the multi-disciplinary teams they employ, a consultation would be an opportunity for us to work with members to determine whether any refinements or clarifications are needed.

We will update members next week following the GOC Council’s meeting.

Last chance to complete OFNC survey

A final reminder about the OFNC’s survey, which closes on Monday.

The survey aims to gather evidence on unfunded activity ahead of the latest round of fee discussions with ministers and officials.

We encourage FODO members who provide GOS in England to complete this confidential survey by 22 June.

Sector changemaker shares his views

Nick Rumney, whose Hereford practice led the way in providing enhanced optometry services, has given Clarity an exclusive interview. He reflects on multi-disciplinary working, optometrists’ untapped potential, and the opportunities and challenges presented by the new NHS Getting It Right First Time glaucoma best-practice guidance.

Rumney retired from BBR Optometry last year but continues to combine part-time clinical work with teaching. He is also a member of the GOC Investigation Committee and of an advisory committee for the Department of Health and Social Care.

CMO visits eye health data project

Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, met researchers and partners at the Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Institute (NORI) at the University of Sunderland to hear how the programme will use eye health data to enable earlier diagnosis and more personalised care.

Professor Whitty said: “I was struck by the strength of the cross-sector partnerships and the shared vision that makes this research possible. I look forward to following NORI’s progress as they advance their ambitious research agenda.”

NORI brings together expertise from the universities of Sunderland, Durham and Newcastle, along with support from councils and the charity Fight for Sight, to develop a joined-up system that uses eye scan data and AI to better understand patterns of health and disease. It is due to open later this year alongside the new Eye Hospital in Sunderland. Read more.

At a glance

LOCSU marked Learning Disability Week by highlighting the importance of keeping eyecare accessible to all. Read more.
Professor Irene Ctori becomes the new president of The College of Optometrists, succeeding Dr Gillian Ruddock. Read more about this and other appointments.
Eye care professionals gathered in Harrogate for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, run by The College of Optometrists. Read more in Clarity.
The AOP has launched a series of roadshows as part of its Five-Year Strategy. The first will be held in Edinburgh on 14 July. Read more.
Specsavers reports that more than 1,600 clinicians benefited from its MiniPAC CPD programme this year. Read more.
Primary Eyecare Services hosted an enhanced eye care conference in West Bromwich, providing information about CUES, cataract and glaucoma services, Optometry Today reports.
ABDO’s vice president continues centenary practice visits to hear about the changing landscape for dispensing opticians, Dispensing Optics reports.
EssilorLuxottica will hold a CPD session in Kensington, London; the first of four events, focusing on dry eye therapies and smart eyewear. Register online.
Twinings has introduced accessible QR codes on its tea packaging to make its products easier to navigate for blind and partially sighted customers. Read more.

Health policy news

MSPs praise community eye care

Scottish parliamentarians repeatedly cited eye care as a success story during a debate on NHS Scotland’s future. Alison Thewliss, the minister for community care, emphasised the importance of providing more care within local communities.

“We must focus on the care that can be shifted into our communities, closer to the people who need it,” she said. “We are the only part of the UK to provide universal free eye examinations, which can identify a range of conditions. We have already built on that with our fantastic community glaucoma service, and we now want to go further with community audiology services delivered locally.”

In her summary remarks, she added: “We are shifting the balance of care towards homes and communities, delivering hospital at home and new community optometry and audiology services.” Read the full debate.

Eilidh Thomson, Optometry Scotland’s chair, said it was encouraging to see optometry featured so prominently. She said: “As the NHS continues to explore ways to improve access and make the best use of available capacity, community optometry is well placed to support those ambitions. Highly skilled clinicians are already delivering an increasing range of services within local communities, helping patients receive timely care while ensuring hospital services remain focused on those with the greatest clinical need.”

NHS waiting list creeps up again

The NHS referral-to-treatment waiting list rose from 7.1 million pathways at the end of March 2026 to 7.2 million at the end of April 2026, reversing some of the improvement seen in March. These figures equate to about 6.1 million patients as some are waiting for more than one procedure.
In ophthalmology, the waiting list rose from 602,032 pathways to 610,708 over a month. The 18-week target from referral to treatment was met in 73.1% of cases, although the number waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment rose slightly, from 4,394 to 4,532. Read more.

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