HCQ Pathway, EyeV S+W Referrals, OFNC Statement on GOS Fees, FODO News

1 May 2025

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine (HCQ and CQ) Screening
   
   Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS, have funding for a Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Retinopathy Screening Service for patients on Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine, for patients registered with a GP in South and West Hertfordshire,  East & North Hertfordshire or West Essex, which is going live in April 2025.

   They advise: “Optometrists are not required to have a choice conversation with patients, nor make a formal referral, unless your examination detects fundus signs which could be due to Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine toxicity. In this case, a formal referral should be made to the patient’s GP as is required for any pathology needing further investigation, or any commissioned Single Point of Access.”

   Further details can be found in their letter to all practitioners HERE.

2. Referrals including Wet AMD and Urgent in South and West Herts
   
   Following our previous notification of the change of provider of the Single Point of Access (SPoA) for referrals in South and West Herts from CHEC to EyeV, the ICB have issued further a further letter to all practitioners, which can be found at the bottom of this email. It includes a request for practices to have completed their DSPT and confirmation that all Urgent referrals should also be sent via the new system from 1st April. They advise: 
    
   “All urgent referrals should be sent via the EyeV portal, which will be triaged urgently. Wet AMD referral patients will be offered a choice of provider within 24 hours. If they do not respond within 48 hours, the referral will be send to their nearest provider. All other urgent referrals will be directed to the nearest trust, bypassing the choice of provider option.”

   We have advised the ICB that the “expectation” to have an up to date DSPT by 31st July is a significant ask on practitioner’s time and resources, and await their response. We do, however, feel that we are closer than ever to having some enhanced services commissioned in Herts (although progress is slow) and the ICB rightly advise that DSPT is likely to be a requirement for any future services such as MECS, POCS etc. 
    
   Any practices who see patients with GPs in South and West Herts who have not already signed up should use the link below to book a slot in one of the EyeV user group meetings. These meetings will provide training, answer any questions, and offer guidance on using the new referral system. We understand that this is extra work for you, but we are hoping that it will help your transition to the new system smoothly and make referrals easier for your practice in future.

   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9UUPbRm8HRfPY5Q-t4ZAXrG16bfzFGabXkaBnXQbgFUFq_g/viewform

3. Herts LOC/Newmedica Peer Review CPD Event and LOC AGM 1st April in Welwyn
   
   There are still a few places left for Herts LOC/Newmedica’s In-Person CPD Event, “Expect the Unexpected, navigating post-operative complications” on Tuesday 1st April 2025, at Tewinbury Farm, Welwyn, AL6 0JB.

   Newmedica advise: “This provider-led peer review will focus on navigating post-operative complications in cataract surgery. While the risk of complications is low, understanding how to assess, diagnose, and manage them is essential for optometrists involved in post-operative care. This session will provide practical insights into therapeutic options and decision-making to enhance your clinical practice and patient outcomes.”

   This will be a peer review, with three interactive points available for OOs and IP Optoms. We are sorry that this event is not approved for DOs, but we will ensure that events later in the year will be. There will be a buffet and refreshments from 6pm. Further details of the CPD can be found HERE.

   Herts LOC will also be holding their Annual General Meeting there at 6.30pm, which will give you a chance to meet us and find out what the committee has been doing on your behalf. The CPD event is due to start at 7pm, and finish between 8:30 and 9pm.  

   Bookings are being handled by Newmedica, please register by completing the form HERE. If you later find that you are unable to attend or if you have any queries, please email admin@hertsloc.org.uk

   We look forward to seeing many of you there!

4. OFNC Statement on GOS Fee Announcement Delay
   OFNC Advise : “GOS contractors will have been expecting an announcement about GOS fees and grants in 2025/26 with the start of new financial year only 13 days away.

   OFNC has been pressing the NHS England team for some time, however due to staffing issues at NHS England a response had not been received. The recent news that NHS England will be merged into DHSC has undoubtedly further delayed NHS England’s reply.”

   Further information can be found in their full statement HERE.

5. FODO News
   Is HERE, including Healthwatch backs shift from hospital to community, AMD audit raises concerns and Primary care cyber readiness survey.

Kind regards

Herts LOC