GOC “Speaking Up”, Diabetic Screening Px Information, Correction To Vacancy And FODO News

4 November 2021

Hi all

We have 4 items for you today:

1. GOC publishes new “Speaking Up” guidance for registrants
   The GOC has published new guidance to help registrants in situations where they need to consider the professional requirement to speak up when patient or public safety may be at risk. It covers all concerns such as when something has been observed that appears seriously wrong or is not in accordance with the accepted standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians, optical businesses and students, including what may be termed ‘whistleblowing’ and/or ‘raising concerns’. It can be downloaded from the GOC website, HERE.
2. Optometrist vacancy correction
   We are advised of an error in the phone numbers given at the end of the “Optometrist Vacancy” item last week. It should have read, with apologies: 

   There is a vacancy for an Optometrist to work regular Saturdays at Enhanced Optical Services, St Albans AL1 4SY.
   John Snelgrove, the owner, is about to launch his modular spectacles system which enables spectacles to be made on the spot. He would like the Optometrist to assist with the setting up of this. There may be further working days available as time progresses.days available as time progresses.

   For further details, please contact John directly on 01727 817132 or 07860 281127

3. NHS updates diabetic eye screening information
   Public Health England (PHE) has updated its patient information on diabetic retinopathy screening. Practitioners can share the links and information with patients and may find it useful to know the PHE recommendations.

    • Public Health England – Diabetic eye screening: description in brief (Updated)
    • Public Health England – Diabetic retinopathy: description in brief (Updated)
    • Public Health England – Diabetic retinopathy: monitoring and treatment (Updated)
    • Public Health England – Diabetic eye screening: slit lamp examination (Updated)

4. FODO News
   Is HERE, including The Budget 2021, a new consultation on the GOC’s approach to illegal practice and medicines recall: Bimatoprost

Kind regards

Herts LOC