NHS Sight Test Timing Survey, CPD – GOS Forms, Booster Jabs, LOCSU And FODO News

7 September 2022

We have 5 items for you today:

1. NHS Sight Test Timing Survey
   
   The OFNC has launched a short survey on NHS sight test timings which, by completing, you will help demonstrate the time it takes to deliver an NHS funded sight test, and support one strand of the OFNC’s negotiating strategy on behalf of all GOS contractors in England.

   Further details and the survey can be found HERE. It will close at midnight on Monday 19 September.

   The sight test has grown in content and complexity as diagnostic equipment has improved and the patient mix has become older and more complex. NHS England (NHSE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) collect data on patient episodes for other professions but have not done so for some time for primary eye care. It is therefore important to provide data on the current time taken to deliver an NHS sight test so that they better understand resource requirements for delivering GOS.

2. “Can I claim or not”? GOS test intervals and early re-test codes – CPD
   LOCSU advise: “The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) now undertakes Post Payment Verification of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) claims on behalf of NHS England.

   To assist GOS contractors and performers claim the appropriate fees for GOS in England, the NHSBSA will be delivering a GOC approved interactive CPD presentation. The CPD presentation will be free of charge and will be delivered online, across various dates and times in the months of September and October 2022.”

   Further details and registration can be found HERE.

3. COVID Booster Jab Update
   
   FODO report that “Frontline healthcare workers throughout the UK will be offered the Covid booster vaccine this autumn. This includes all front-line staff working in primary eye care settings.
    
   The booster rollout starts the week beginning 5 September when the highest risk groups, such as people who are housebound, will be prioritised. The National Booking Service will open and take bookings from 12 September onwards for people aged 75 and over (Source NHS England). At this stage we expect frontline healthcare workers to be called after this initial cohort, but at this stage please wait for further updates from the NHS”

   Their full update can be found HERE.
    

4. LOCSU News
   
   Can be found HERE, including “The LOCSU National Optical Conference” and “Case Study: Access to FP10s for Optometrists With an Independent Prescribing Qualification”.
5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including “FODO encourages dispensing opticians to apply for GOC role”, “Covid alert level reduced to 2” and “First US patient receives autologous stem cell therapy to treat dry AMD”.

Kind regards

Herts LOC