Notifying DVLA, Vacancy, CPD, Invite To Herts LOC AGM, FODO News

21 March 2024

We have 5 items for you today:

1. • Informing DVLA of a Px not meeting the required standard and Cassie’s law.
     Practitioners may be unaware of the change in rules last year about us now being allowed to inform DVLA if we are concerned about a patient’s ability to drive safely.

     The GOC have provided a helpful flowchart about this HERE with further information from them HERE.

     We would also mention “Cassie’s law” which was introduced in 2013 giving new powers for police to take a driver’s licence if they fail a roadside test. An earlier article from Optometry Today can be found HERE.

• • Vacancy for Full Time Optometrist
    
    Shephard & Akay Optometrists in Hitchin have a vacancy for a full-time
    (35 hours) Optometrist. They advise:

    “Early finish (2 pm) on Saturdays, no Sundays or Bank Holidays.
    The applicant is expected to work at least 2 Saturday mornings a month.
    40 minute test times and complete professional freedom. Pre-screening (IOPs, fields, OCT) carried out by support staff.

    We are a high end boutique practice stocking top brands including Lindberg, Tom Ford, Silhouette, Oliver Peoples and many others. Premium lenses from Zeiss, Hoya, Essilor, Nikon and Shamir.

    We fit all types of contact lenses including myopia control lenses, ortho-K, and specialist lenses for complex corneal conditions (keratoconus, post-graft, prosthetic lenses etc). Previous experience in complex contact lens fitting is not required, and the applicant is not expected to get involved with this aspect of our work unless they are interested.

    If you’re looking for a new challenge with varied and interesting workload, this may just be the perfect opportunity for you.

    If you’re interested, contact ali@shephardandakay.co.uk “.

• • Low Vision CPD Webinar – Thursday 7th March 
    The Outside Clinic are running a Low Vision webinar on 7th March, starting at 7pm. They say:

    “This webinar explores the clinical decisions in managing vision impairment in older adults, using a case record approach. It covers in-house patient care, referral benefits, and additional support strategies for optometrists and dispensing opticians to enhance routine care for those with vision loss.”

    Further details and the link to register can be found HERE.

• • Invitation to attend Hertfordshire LOC’s AGM.
    
    The Herts LOC AGM will be held via Zoom on Monday 18th March 2024 at 7:30pm.

    After a successful “virtual” AGM last year, we are going to hold our AGM on Zoom again. If you are an NHS Contractor or NHS Performer who operates in Hertfordshire, then you are welcome to attend the meeting. We would love to see as many of you as possible, it will be a great opportunity for you​ to hear what the committee has been up to over the last year, vote on aspects of the LOC such as finance and committee elections, find out a bit more about what our future plans are and get to know us a little bit more. Even though participation is not required, we welcome any feedback you may have.

    Part of our role here at the Herts LOC is to disseminate information to all local contractors and performers so you are able to understand and comply with your duties, to stay up to date with the latest information and to provide support. We understand everyone has had to change the way they think and work in recent times, we endeavour to continue to keep you up to date via email and our website.

    Our committee has a diverse range of experience and we all work together to support you. A large number of you have been in touch with us, now more than ever, with lots of questions and we will always answer or point you in the right direction. Please don’t forget we are here to support you as practitioners in practice, it is vital for us to hear your wants, needs and views in the Optometric field.

    To register your intention to attend the virtual AGM, please complete the following form by 10pm on Monday 4th March:

    https://forms.office.com/r/SRdGJGQr61

    Any queries, please contact us at admin@hertsloc.org.uk

    See you there!

• • FODO News
    Is HERE, including People continue to suffer sight loss due to delays in care, RNIB launches framework for low vision care and Glaucoma UK and Diabetes UK have issued guidance on using eye drops and fasting for people with sight loss during the holy month of Ramadan.

Kind regards

Herts LOC