News

Withdrawal Of UKHSA Infection Prevention And Control Measures

The College of Optometrists has issued a statement, following the withdrawal of UKHSA infection prevention and control measures in England. They advise: “As part of the College’s move to Green Phase, we have already advised that some COVID-19 IPC measure can be stopped. This latest UKHSA update recommends that the following COVID-19 IPC measure can also be …

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20 June 2022

Free eyecare provision for Ukraine refugees

ABDO head of policy and public affairs, Debbie McGill, has commended the compassion being shown for the people of Ukraine by the optical profession, as well as the efforts being made to provide those remaining in Ukraine with aid, on behalf of ABDO. Debbie also provided clarification regarding the provision of eye health care to …

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23 May 2022

COVID-19: Return to Green phase

As of Tuesday 10 May, each of the four nations in the UK have  moved  from the amber to the green phase of The College of Optometrists’ COVID-19 classification system. This phase sees us enter a ‘new normal’ and incorporates the good practice established over the past two years to ensure patient and public safety. ‘Living …

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12 May 2022

AGM 2022 Update

The nominal date and time of our 2022 AGM was 8.00pm on 27th April. Like last year, no physical meeting was held; instead, AGM papers were posted on our website, and all on our database were given the opportunity to pose questions, nominate committee members, and vote for the resolutions, online. We were sorry to …

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11 May 2022

Electronic eye referral system (E-ers) in the BLMK region

EMMS Healthcare has been awarded the contract to provide the Electronic eye referral system (E-ers) in the BLMK region. They would like to demonstrate the system to you and will be holding a series of virtual sessions which you are invited to attend. For full details and dates for the sessions see here.

2 April 2022

Free Lateral Flow Tests for Patient Facing Staff To Continue

NHSE&I have issued an urgent statement, “Living with COVID-19 – Testing Update”, which includes confirmation that Free Lateral Flow Tests WILL be available to front line staff in Primary Care. The full statement can be downloaded HERE. The AOP have welcomed the announcement, HERE.    

2 April 2022

AGM 2022

The 2022 AGM of Buckinghamshire Local Optical Committee will be at 8.00pm on the evening of 27th April. Like last year, we won’t be holding a physical meeting; instead you will have the opportunity to pose questions, nominate and vote for committee members, and vote for the resolutions, online. Papers will be posted on this …

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29 March 2022

OFNC WELCOMES NEW POLICIES ON OPTOMETRIST PERFORMER LISTING IN ENGLAND

OFNC WELCOMES NEW POLICIES ON OPTOMETRIST PERFORMER LISTING IN ENGLAND NHS England and Improvement has developed a new policy for managing performer list applications for GPs, dentists, optometrists and OMPs in England, which came into effect on 11 February 2022. Other aspects of the performers list policy remain as previously within the Framework for Managing …

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28 March 2022

GOS 4 Pre-Authorisation

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has published a short guide, HERE, on GOS 4 pre-authorisation requests to repair or replace a patient’s glasses in England. It covers how to check if your patient qualifies and how to get pre-authorisation.

20 March 2022

Increase to GOS sight test fees, Voucher values and CET grants

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said it will increase GOS sight test fees in England by 2% from April 2022. This follows a 1.9% increase in April 2021. The DHSC has also laid regulations which will increase NHS optical voucher values by 2% from April 2022. The relevant regulation, which includes the new values, can be …

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14 March 2022