Moorfields Contacts, Cat Surgery, Afghan Evacuees, Vacancy, FODO News

7 September 2021

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Moorfields Contact Information
   We have been advised of the following clarification to the Moorfields contact details:

   •  For urgent/emergency/out of hours, please phone 020 7521 4682 and speak to the A&E doctor on call. The clinician will then be able to give you advice and guidance.  As we have recommended in the past, please note the time of your call and the name of the Clinician you spoke to. If your referral is accepted, you can send it using this email addresss: meh-tr.moorfieldscityroad@nhs.net

   •  Please continue to use the Health Professionals inbox for queries / escalation: moorfields.healthprofessionals@nhs.net

   We have, therefore, updated our referral contact details sheet which can be downloaded HERE.

2. Risks of Cataract Surgery
   One of our local Consultants recently summarised the risks of cataract surgery, as follows:1. 1:1000 risk of severe and permanent visual loss due to infection or bleeding within the eye
   2. 1:100 risk of requiring additional surgery to rectify a problem, which may result in vision being worse than before
   3. 1:100 risk of developing a retinal detachment or macular oedema which requires further treatment
   4. 1:200 risk of noticing a line/shadow in the corner of vision following surgery. This is considered to be
   caused by light reflecting against the edge of the lens implant. This usually settles within 12 months.
   5. 1:20 risk of experiencing a watery or irritable eye for several months after the operation
   6. 1:30 risk of developing a drooping of the eyelid following cataract surgery and this usually as a result of the speculum that is inserted during the operation to keep the eyelids open
   7. 1:10 patients need laser capsulotomy treatment at some time in the future to treat a clouding of the lens capsule
   8. Patients will still likely need to wear glasses following surgery to obtain their best distance vision, and will almost certainly need to wear glasses for reading.With thanks to Venki Sundaram. We hope that this may be useful to you.
3. Afghan Evacuees
   Rupal Lovell-Patel, Chair of the East Anglia Local Eye Health Network, advises:”I am sure you will have heard in the news that our region (particularly some specific localities) has welcomed several Afghan Evacuees. Initially, they will spend 10 days in isolation but after that time, they will start to engage with health care assessments. They will be eligible to NHS funded eye care, which will include eye tests and specs for some of them. I have been send a copy of a letter that is going out to the regional and ICS directors about the health care entitlement for the evacuees, which states:”All families and individuals relocated under ARAP are legally entitled to access all NHS healthcare services under their 5 years ‘Leave to Enter the UK’ immigration status. Ensure a robust and enhanced health assessment. Given the health needs of this vulnerable population and the traumatic circumstances of their arrival and there should be a robust approach to identifying and managing families’ health and care requirements. This should include assessment of trauma/mental health needs, women’s and children’s health, long-term conditions, areas of public health concern (see below) and ensuring pathways to other services such as maternity, child health services, dental and eye care.”

   Regarding claims for GOS fees and vouchers, NHS BSA has suggested that these refugees apply for HC1 at the moment. They say:

   “A mechanism already exists for Refugees and Asylum Seekers to claim NHS Sight Tests via HC1, applied for by the patient, or HC2/3 certificates issued directly by UKVI. Children can already claim via the ‘under 16’ criteria. HC1 Form (nhsbsa.nhs.uk) have in theory a turn around time of 5 working days if sent in digitally, they may need proof of status and if refugee any income/benefits information. If they apply via a paper/postal route then this has a turnaround of approximately 15 working days.

   A refugee HC2/HC3 certificate once issued is valid for 12 months, an asylum seeker HC2/HC3 certificate once issued is valid for 6 months.”

4. Vacancy – Paediatric Optometrist

   

   Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust has asked us to forward the following vacancy information:

   Paediatric Optometrist – Band 6 – Part-time 1 day a week 0.2 fte permanent post

   Applications are invited from experienced and motivated optometrist to take on paediatric optometry clinics for the Community Eye Service in West Hertfordshire (St Albans and Hemel Hempstead), currently consisting of four Orthoptists and two Optometrists with links to the Acute Trust Ophthalmologists. You will be expected to work single-handedly and with other practitioners in optometric assessment of patients attending the community paediatric eye service.  In addition, the post-holder may participate in clinical audit, research and teaching.

   Candidates will have a BSc or equivalent in Optometry and evidence of further post-graduate study, and will be GOC registered with a minimum of 3 years post registration experience. Previous experience of hospital paediatric optometry would be beneficial including cycloplegic examination and refraction on young children and children with special educational needs. A working knowledge of paediatric management and good communication skills with children and their parents is essential.  You will need to be highly motivated with excellent clinical skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

   For informal enquiries or to arrange a visit please contact Catherine Stewart or Judy Bee (co-Clinical Leads for the Children’s Eye Service) via e-mail: catherine.stewart22@nhs.net or Judy.bee1@nhs.net

   Interviews are expected to take place within 2-3 weeks of the closing date. Closing date will be 14^th September 2021

   In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary subject to a minimum payment of £951 and a maximum payment of £1649 per annum (pro rata where applicable).

   Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust

   St Albans Health and Wellbeing Centre, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL13JE

   To view the job and apply please go to http://jobs.hertschs.nhs.uk/job/v3437508

5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including a warning over NHS funding in England and the College of Optometrists encourages parents to book sight tests for their children.

Kind regards

Herts LOC