Referral Pathways, GOS Changes, Nystagmus Research, CPD, Herts LOC Award, FODO News

1 November 2023

We have 7 items for you today:

1. Ophthalmology Referral Pathways
   
   HWE ICB advise:
   In response to queries from the Local Optical Committee and other providers in the system regarding the referral pathways for routine ophthalmology, Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB is setting out the arrangements for each of three areas in our integrated care system.

   South and west Hertfordshire – the ICB has a commissioned pathway for referral management through Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC) who provide a Community Ophthalmology services for patients registered with a GP in south and west Hertfordshire. All routine ophthalmology referrals should be via the CHEC portal and CHEC will offer choice independently to the patients.

   East and North Hertfordshire – All routine ophthalmology referrals should be via the patient’s GP and the GP will offer choice to the patient.

   West Essex – No change to current referral pathways. Please do not refer into the CHEC portal. An update on West Essex ophthalmology pathways will be circulated during November 2023.

   The ICB is currently developing a new referral process to ensure equity across the system through the ICS Ophthalmology working group which includes the Local Optical Committee representatives. This project is still in early development. The ICB is planning to have this in place by 1st April 2024 to ensure equity across the system.

2. Changes to GOS regulations – Cascaded as email ref PRN00660
   Further to the NHSE email in July, all contractors should have recently received an email directly from NHSE regarding upcoming changes to GOS – the mandating of electronic claims, continuity arrangements and system changes, reductions to the claim window for sight test claims, death of a contractor arrangements and removing the need to collect data on GOS applicants’ sex.

   Any contractors who have not received the “00660” email from NHSE can find a link to its contents HERE.

3. CPD Peer Review at Knebworth 17th October – More Roadshow Exhibitors 
   BiB have advised us that there will be more exhibitors at their CPD Peer Review and Roadshow, “OCT Biometry and Myopia Management” on Tuesday 17th October:  Bondeye Optical will be showing their range of Optical Solutions and Nick Boys – Frame Agent, will be showing two leading Ophthalmic Frame and Sunglass brands from “Caroline Abram” and “Kirk and Kirk”. They ask for £25 to reserve a place which will be refunded after attending the event or if you cancel at least 72 hours before the event.

   The event will start with an exhibition, registration, food and drink and a chance to network and mingle starting at 5, with the CPD sessions beginning at 7pm. BiB have kindly agreed that we, Hertfordshire LOC, can be there so we recommend getting there early in order to meet us and ask any questions you may have or find out more about the LOC. It will also be a chance to meet BiB, the other sponsors and other delegates. Further details and registration can be found HERE. See you there!

4. Hertfordshire LOC Wins an Award!
   
   We’re pleased to advise that your Local Optical Committee have won the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board’s Primary Care Ophthalmic Service of the Year Award 2023. We are here to support you, our practitioners so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries, suggestions, assistance you may need or just to say hello! Our email address is admin@hertsloc.org.uk and our website is hertsloc.org.uk
5. Recent LOC CPD Event in Elstree.
   Thank you to everyone who attended the excellent CPD session we ran in partnership with OCL this week. We have received excellent feedback on the event, and we’ll take on board your suggestions about the catering for next time! Thanks to OCL for their excellent organisation, content and speakers. Apologies to those who were unable to book into this very popular event, we do intend to run another next year.
6. Nystagmus Research
   The Nystagmus Network have asked us to send out the following, although the testing is being done in Plymouth so may not be suitable for all possible Pxs: 

   Nystagmus research participation opportunity Please share this with your patients – thank you

   Perceptual Learning for Nystagmus We are delighted to offer people who have nystagmus the opportunity to take part in an exciting new research study at the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with Cardiff University and jointly funded by the Nystagmus Network and Fight for Sight. Who are we looking for? Anyone aged between 18 and 35, diagnosed with Infantile (Congenital) Nystagmus What will you be doing? Complete vision tests on computer at the University of Plymouth to assess how well you can see static and moving letters and static dots Complete vision training at home for 1 hour per day, 3 days a week over a period of 4 weeks To join please click link here https://nystagmusnetwork.org/research-participation-opportunity-in-plymouth/?mc_cid=2f4d78660b&mc_eid=6c96461656

7. FODO News
   Is HERE, including Changes to NHS diabetic eye screening intervals, World Sight Day and Patients continue to wait for hospital eye care. Their update from 6th October is HERE, including CET claims window closing soon, the GOC is seeking a clinical and regulatory expert to advise on a testing of sight risk-based framework and policy updates.

Kind regards

“The award winning” Herts LOC!