Paediatric Referrals, CPD Webinar, FODO News

16 July 2023

We have 6 items for you today:

1. IP Training for Optometrists
   
   There is the possibility of some funding from Health Education England which could be put towards IP training for Optometrists. Initially, could you fill in the form HERE if this might be of interest to you. We need to get an idea of numbers as soon as possible so please complete and submit it before 10pm on Monday 17th July. Email us at admin@HertsLOC.org.uk if you have any queries. Thank you.
2. Paediatric Referrals
   Just a quick reminder, following a couple of recent enquiries, that all under 16 routine referrals go to the GP unless emergency/urgent. This applies to both sides of the county, East & North and South & West.
3. CPD : “Masterclass Diabetic Retinopathy Webinar”
   Clinica London are hosting a Diabetic Retinopathy webinar on Thursday July 20th at 7pm. They advise there will be one interactive CPD point available for Optometrists.
   The presenter is Ms. Stacey Strong MD BSc FRCOphth PGCME, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, who is also Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology at West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust, so this will be a great opportunity for practitioners to “meet” her. Further details and the registration form can be found HERE.
4. The International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISD-DE) Newsletter and 2024 Event
   
   ISD-DE have issued a newsletter, HERE, which includes details of their event in London on 29th-31st May 2024. Their website is HERE, which also includes a link to sign up to further editions of their newsletter.
5. NHS England has issued an update on some key developments to GOS regulations and service provisions.
   FODO have issued a summary of the changes, as follows:
   • It is anticipated that from 1 January 2024, all practices will submit claims electronically via practice management systems or PCSE Online. A failsafe paper slip (for providers) will be provided for any system outages or where access to the online system is not immediately available. OFNC has been clear with NHSE that PCSE processes must be improved and maintain a high standard for this change to be implemented successfully.
   • Claim windows for GOS 1, 5 and 6 forms will reduce from six to three months, in line with other claim windows. It is anticipated that this change will start on 1 January 2024, with a failsafe for circumstances where it may not be possible to submit within the window.
   • Removal of the collection of contractor sex on application for a new GOS contract, as this is not needed.
   • At present, unless arrangements are made to extend the contract within seven days of a contractor’s death, the contract is terminated. From 1 November 2023, this will be extended to 28 days to allow more flexibility at a difficult time.
   • NHS England has highlighted that where a patient has no fixed abode, an alternative address may be used on GOS forms. For example, it could be your practice address, the address of the patient’s GP, a friend’s/relative’s address or a temporary accommodation provider.

   FODO’s article can be found HERE, and the NHS update in full can be found HERE.
    

6. FODO News
   Is HERE, including Vision Care for Homeless People will meet more need, England catching up on direct referral and New UCL-Moorfields eye hospital. Their update from 7th July is HERE, including New treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), CET claims window is open and RNIB reports on the importance of ECLO services in hospital eye clinics.

Kind regards

Herts LOC