Blue Light Card, Measles, Low Vision Survey, FODO News

1 February 2024

We have 4 items for you today:

1. Blue Light Card Discounts for Optoms and DOs.
   
   We are advised, with thanks, that ALL optometrists and dispensing opticians are now eligible to benefit from Blue Light Card discounts and rewards. The AOP have written an article on the scheme, HERE, the link to sign up is HERE, and Blue Light Card’s homepage is HERE. The AOP say:  

   “Registering for Blue Light Card membership costs £4.99 and membership is valid for two years. It includes access to the Blue Light card app where scheme members can find information about live offers.

   To apply, new scheme members will need to upload their General Optical Council registration number plus a form of personal ID that matches, such as a Passport or Driving Licence. Alternative forms of additional personal ID permitted include: Birth Certificate, EEA Member State Identity Card, UK Residence Permit or National Identity Card.”

   You do NOT have to be an AOP member to join.

   DOs should initially select “Optometry” when asked for “your service”, you can then select “DO” on the next screen.

2. Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Measles in Healthcare Settings
   
   NHS England have issued guidance around Measles, HERE. An earlier version has already been sent to contractors as email “PRN01102”. The college guidelines on measles is HERE and the general NHS page for Measles advice can be found HERE. 
3. Low Vision Research Questionnaire for Optoms, DOs and ECLOs
   We have been asked for help with a postgraduate research project  by Dr Emily Charlesworth, an optometrist and post-doctoral research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University. She says:”

   “Hi everyone, I am a postdoc at ARU investigating clinicians knowledge of CVI and the support available to patients. I’m trying to get more responses from dispensing opticians and ECLOs if anyone in this group would like to fill out the survey and share with colleagues. Thanks!”

   The survey can be be found by clicking the link below:
   Low vision questionnaire

4. FODO News
   
   Is HERE, including Keynote speech calls for expansion of enhanced primary eye care services, College updates six CMGs and Playing football with sight loss. Their update from 23rd January is HERE, including a Joint statement on reducing risk of flu/Covid this winter,  Health Policy Updates and PCSE – Ophthalmic Bulletin which reminds all contractors about the regulatory changes that are now in effect. It also includes guidance on generating a GOS3 in PCSE Online and how to change bank details.

 

Kind regards

Herts LOC