GOS Signatures, Paper GOS Forms, Pre-Reg Position Sought And FODO News

30 August 2021

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Patient Signatures Required on GOS Forms
   Unless we hear to the contrary, the COVID-19 suspension of the requirement for patient signatures on GOS forms will end on 31 August 2021. This means that patient signatures will be required on all GOS and eGOS forms from Wednesday 1 September. A statement from the OFNC can be found HERE. 
2. Issues with GOS paper forms, update from PCSE
   We have received the following update from PCSE regarding paper GOS forms, returns and problems:

   “We are aware there are still some issues with the processing of paper forms, and as explained in last week’s Ophthalmic Bulletin, we’re continuing to work on improvements to paper claim processing and have a number of further enhancements we expect to be completed by the end of September. As you will be aware, PCSE have been processing upfront payments on a monthly basis for practices impacted by a high % of rejections, to ensure they are not left financially vulnerable.

   The normal process is for rejected forms to be returned within 7-10 days. There have been one or two blips that caused a delay in rejected forms being sent out but the vast majority have been sent back within a week or so.”

   They have also issued a reminder that the standard sight test interval for patients with glaucoma is 2 years  (see HERE).

   They suggest that any practices who have contacted PCSE about their rejections but are not getting an appropriate response / support and need escalation, should email the details to the LOC at admin@HertsLOC.org.uk and we will forward them to PCSE for further attention on your behalf.

3. Seeking Pre-Reg Optometrist Position
   We have a request from a recent Optometry Graduate seeking a Pre-Registration position. She says:
   “I have recently graduated from City, University of London with a first class degree in optometry.  I am actively seeking a pre-reg optometry placement as my initial placement fell through due to issues pertaining to the Covid pandemic. I am also a qualified orthoptist and have previously worked as an optical assistant.

   I really appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone in the healthcare profession and that patient care takes priority but I really would be grateful if anyone could give me an opportunity to illustrate my skill sets and advance my career. I am currently volunteering for a charity called ‘Vision Care for Homeless People’ (VCHP).  

   I would ideally love to have a placement that is within reasonable travel time from Highbury, London. (so anywhere in London or Hertfordshire)

   I am genuinely hard-working, punctual, organised and a quick learner with excellent communication skills.

   I would be more than happy to pop in anytime for an informal chat or for a more formal interview.  Please do get in touch if you feel that I would be a good fit for your practice.

   Please contact me at fatima.mangera@gmail.com for my CV or any further details.

   Thank you
   Fatima Mangera”

4. New Joint Vice-Chair for the LOC
   Having moved out of the area, Sumila Kasaven has stepped down from being a joint LOC Vice-Chair. We are grateful for her excellent contribution to the committee. She has kindly agreed to stay on in an advisory role. We are pleased to announce that Steve Roberts, a DO who also maintains our website and edits this newsletter in collaboration with the Chair, has been elected to the role and can be contacted at comms@hertsloc.org.uk
5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including PCSE downtime (between 7pm on Saturday 11 September and 10am on Sunday 12 September), eye health week 20 to 26 September and use of CE mark extended until 2023.

Kind regards

Herts LOC