OFNC update on lockdown 3 funding
5 February 2021
UPDATE – IMPACT OF CURRENT LOCKDOWN ON PRACTICES IN ENGLAND 5 February 2021
We reported in our statement of 8 January that the OFNC was in urgent discussions with NHS England about potential additional support for optical practices affected by the new restrictions. We have proposed potential models for this to NHS England and discussions are ongoing.
This week NHS England were able to share with us the GOS claims data for January 2021, which are a combination of real-time eGOS claims and paper claims. Taken together they suggest slightly lower overall GOS activity in January 2021 than in January 2020. Although this is a broad-brush picture based on aggregate data, we accept that the trend over the 10 months since the pandemic hit does not provide a strong case for generalised COVID-19 support across all GOS contractors at this point.
However, many practices have contacted OFNC member bodies calling for help as they are suffering a sharp downturn in demand for face-to-face care. This is because of the current restrictions, the Government’s strong ‘stay at home’ messaging and the prospect of vaccination encouraging people to postpone care. Some are reporting activity at 50% or less of the usual level for January.
We are therefore urging NHS England as a matter of urgency to put in place some targeted, short- term financial support for practices experiencing a significant downturn in face-to-face activity and struggling to remain operational. We will provide a further update as soon as we can.
In the meantime we are pleased that the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out for patient-facing staff in optical practices and domiciliary providers is making good progress. Any GOS contractor experiencing difficulty in arranging vaccinations for their staff should contact their Local Optical Committee for assistance in the first instance.
Berkshire LOC Latest News
PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024
Join us for an insightful, free event tailored for practitioners involved in enhanced eyecare services using OPERA, with a spotlight on the pre-op cataract/enhanced cataract referral service in England. 📅 When: Wednesday 18th December, 7pm – 8pm. 📍Where: Online, via Zoom. 🎓Earn: 1 Interactive CPD Point (Lecture) for OOs and DOs This session …
Continue reading “PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024”
11 December 2024
PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November
Dear Colleague, We’re letting you know about scheduled maintenance taking place this week. Due to scheduled maintenance, PCSE Online will be unavailable from 6pm on Thursday 28 November to 6am on Friday 29 November. We will then be carrying out assurance testing until 8.30am. Please note, the contact us forms on the PCSE …
Continue reading “PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November”
27 November 2024
RNIB CET Event – Monday 2nd of December
The RNIB Low Vision Centre is pleased to inform you of a free CPD event for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians on: Monday 2nd December 9.15- 16.00 Low vision and Learning Disabilities Conference (5 CET points) Content: Low vision Workshop Learning disabilities Workshop Retinal conditions in Low Vision Lecture – Consultant ophthalmologist Christiana Dinah Eyecare support …
Continue reading “RNIB CET Event – Monday 2nd of December”
21 November 2024
Safeguarding Adults Week 2024
Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that we are raising awareness of Safeguarding Adults Week 2024, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting best practices in safeguarding adults. Primary Eyecare Services are proud to be supporting this campaign. We would like to encourage you to take the time to read …
Continue reading “Safeguarding Adults Week 2024”
21 November 2024
PCSE – System downtime 14th of November 2025
Primary Care Support England System downtime 14 November Dear Colleague, We’re letting you know about scheduled maintenance taking place this week. Due to scheduled maintenance, PCSE Online will be unavailable from 6pm until 9.30pm on Thursday 14 November. Don’t forget to read our Business Continuity Guidance If your store is unable to access PCSE Online due …
Continue reading “PCSE – System downtime 14th of November 2025”
13 November 2024
Special Facial Characteristics GOS supplement – includes Tomato and MiraFlex range
If you have had a GOS claim for a SFC supplement refused by the RBHT because the frame dispensed was not custom made, ie. from the “Tomato” or “MiraFlex” range, please be aware that you are able to challenge this under the SGS additional guidance, details below: Small Glasses Supplement Additional guidance NHS England and …
12 October 2024
VISIO Health Inaugural Launch & Optometry and GP Education event
VISIO Health, in partnership with ZEISS, is hosting its inaugural educational meeting alongside its official launch, focusing on holistic care for Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Aesthetics, and Wellbeing. The event will feature interactive workshops that include diagnostic imaging interpretation, case-based discussions on treatment options across various specialties, and hands-on experience. Accredited with 15 CPD points, this …
Continue reading “VISIO Health Inaugural Launch & Optometry and GP Education event”
7 October 2024
Optician is delighted to announce the return of its CPD certified conference on Sustainability – October 1st & 2nd of October
Eyes on Sustainability is a ground-breaking multi-channel initiative that combines live conferences and focused monthly editorial content. Eyes on Sustainability 2024 (#EOS24), is CPD certified and will take place on October 2nd at Brighton i360 and will provide a launchpad for retail optics to reduce its impact on the planet while meeting current and future …
20 September 2024
CUES CPD Event: 23rd September 2024 7PM – 9PM
Primary Eyecare are excited to announce an upcoming CPD webinar on CUES, “The CUES conundrum: solving the urgent eyecare solution” Monday 23rd September, 7PM-9PM 2 back-to-back lectures with 2 interactive CPD points in total! 7PM – 8PM = CUES pathway and protocols 8PM – 9PM = CUES referrals from the red tab …
Continue reading “CUES CPD Event: 23rd September 2024 7PM – 9PM”
6 September 2024